Gas separation system and method

Abstract

Disclosed herein are membrane separators for use in gas separation systems, such as HVAC systems, gas separation systems, and gas separation methods. The membrane separator may include a porous polymeric membrane and a selectively permeable material having a water vapor permeability coefficient of at least about 10000 GPU. A vehicle dehumidification system has a novel mode of operation in which the need to heat outside air may be reduced or eliminated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to dehumidification systems and methods, particularly for use in vehicle and building HVAC systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle cabin ventilation systems typically include a fan-driven air circulation system in which vehicle cabin air is circulated by a fan. The ventilation system also typically includes means for regulating the temperature of the air. Such systems are commonly referred to as climate control systems or "HVAC" systems (for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems). HVAC systems are also used for climate control of buildings.

[0003] Air cooling is typically provided by an air conditioning unit (a / c unit) which also removes moisture from the air by condensation on the evaporator of the a / c unit. Waste heat generated by an internal combustion engine is typically used to increase the temperature of the air flowing into the vehicle cabin.

[0004] Even if the air is conditioned to ambient temperature or above, it is desirable to regulate the air humidity, reduce moisture buildup, condensation on the windows, etc., which can otherwise occur. In some vehicles or buildings equipped with HVAC systems, the a / c unit is run continuously to dehumidify the air.

[0005] Since a vehicle a / c unit draws power from the vehicle engine or battery, continuous use of the a / c unit to dehumidify the air reduces vehicle efficiency. Similar considerations apply to HVAC systems in other contexts, such as buildings, aircraft, etc. For example, removing moisture in a building will reduce the load on the condenser unit used for cooling, which results in a more energy-efficient HVAC system.

[0006] For electric vehicles (hereinafter EVs), engine waste heat is not available and the cabin air must be electrically heated instead by the vehicle battery. Similarly, EV a / c units are electrically driven. This type of HVAC system undesirably depletes the EV's battery and impairs available range of travel, particularly at low ambient temperatures, when the a / c unit is used primarily as a dehumidifier and the cabin air must be electrically heated to compensate for the unwanted cooling provided by the a / c unit.

[0007] The energy consumption can be reduced somewhat by increasing the proportion of recirculated cabin air. However, vehicle occupants generate moisture, so cabin air recirculation increases the rate of moisture that must be removed.

[0008] In addition, at very low temperatures, such conventional vehicle HVAC systems become less effective due to the risk of freezing the condensing air or the boiling point problem of the coolant in the a / c circuit. However, the need for dehumidification of the cabin air is greater at low temperature conditions because of the increased risk of condensation on the cabin side surface of the vehicle windows.

[0009] It has been proposed, for example in JP2022076664A (Nissan Motor Co. and Renault AG), to use membrane dehumidification that does not require air cooling. Membrane dehumidification systems utilize the partial pressure difference of water vapor passing through an airtight but water vapor-permeable membrane, and are more commonly found in building HVAC systems.

[0010] The water vapor partial pressure difference passing through an airtight but permeable membrane can be generated by an absolute air pressure difference across the membrane, which is achieved by pressurizing the air on one side of the membrane and / or applying a vacuum to one side of the membrane. Alternatively, a portion of dry air can be supplied to one side of the membrane. While membrane dehumidification can provide some energy efficiency compared to conventional vehicle HVAC systems under certain operating conditions, its benefits may be impaired by the energy cost of generating the required water vapor partial pressure, and its application in vehicle applications (including road transport vehicles, ships, etc.) and buildings is limited.

[0011] Another challenge of membrane dehumidifiers is the need for a relatively large exposed membrane surface area, and correspondingly large moisture exchange units that house the membrane.

[0012] like Figure 1 As shown, a known arrangement 1 for membrane dehumidification is formed as a thin-film membrane. A thin film 2 (typically 0.1-5 micrometers thick), providing selectively permeable polymers, such as silicone, polyimide, or polyurethane, is typically mounted on a porous support 3 (typically porous polysulfone (PS) or polyethersulfone (PES) material, etc.), and its thickness is approximately 50 micrometers. In use, the membrane is housed within a shroud or encapsulation, defining a separator between the high water vapor pressure side and the low water vapor pressure side of the membrane. A mesh provides an air path to one side of the membrane, and to provide protection against mechanical damage from the mesh, an additional nonwoven layer 4 is provided between the mesh, the thin film 2, and the porous support 3. This nonwoven layer is made of glass or ceramic fibers, nonwoven fabrics (e.g., polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) nonwovens), etc., and has a thickness of approximately 100-200 micrometers.

[0013] Nonwoven layers, and, if present, porous supports, form diffusion barriers to the membrane, reducing efficiency and decreasing water vapor partial pressure differential and / or increasing the membrane surface area required to achieve a given dehumidification rate.

[0014] Therefore, improvements are still needed in cabin air dehumidification and membrane dehumidification in HVAC systems. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an encapsulation for gas separation, comprising: case; Selective permeation membrane-like separator; The selectively permeable membranous separator has a first face and an opposite second face, and is sealed within the housing about a perimeter of the membranous separator; and wherein the membranous separator comprises a porous polymeric membrane and a selectively permeable material; The housing at least partially defines a first flow path in gas communication with the first face of the membranous separator and a second flow path in gas communication with the second face of the membranous separator; and a support arrangement directly against the first face or the second face of the membranous separator and configured to mechanically support the membranous separator and define at least a portion of the respective first flow path or second flow path.

[0016] The porous polymeric membrane is able to withstand forces exerted between the membranous separators in use (for example forces caused by a pressure differential between the first side and the second side, as described below) such that an intervening protective layer such as a non-woven layer is not required. The support arrangement directly against the membranous separator removes the restriction on diffusion of gaseous species to and from the surface of the membranous separator that can be caused by an intervening protective layer. The enclosure therefore does not include any intervening protective layer such as a non-woven layer between the support arrangement and the membranous separator. The absence of a non-woven layer also facilitates sealing about the perimeter of the membranous separator.

[0017] The term "directly against" herein includes physical contact between the membranous separator and the support arrangement, as well as adhesion of the membranous separator to the support structure by an adhesive.

[0018] The support arrangement can be adhered to the membranous separator. The adhesion can be by an adhesive, for example a pressure sensitive adhesive or a contact adhesive. The support arrangement can be mechanically adhered to the membranous separator, for example by the application of heat and / or pressure.

[0019] The support arrangement can comprise a mesh. The mesh can be a metal mesh, made of wire such as steel, titanium or the like. The mesh can be a plastic mesh. The plastic material can be a polymeric material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or other plastic materials can be used, for example PP, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or nylon. The support arrangement can comprise a lattice, moulded or cut from a plastic sheet.

[0020] The support arrangement can comprise a shaped support structure, having a plurality of support structure portions and a plurality of recessed structure portions. The recessed structure portions may, for example, define a plurality of channels between the support structure portions. The shaped support structure thereby defines at least that portion of the second flow path extending between the support portions and the second face. It will be appreciated that the support structure portions are generally coplanar so as to support the membranous separator in a flat configuration.

[0021] The support structure can advantageously be molded or machined or printed to reduce the force exerted between the support structure and the membrane-like separator.

[0022] In some embodiments, the support structure portion can comprise a plurality of elongate ribs, and the recessed structure portion comprises elongate channels between the ribs. The present invention is not limited to any particular shape, configuration, or dimensions of the support structure, however, in some embodiments, the channels can be approximately 0.5mm - 3mm deep, or 0.5mm - 2.5mm deep, or 0.5mm - 2.0mm deep, or 0.5mm - 1.5mm deep, or approximately 0.75mm deep, or approximately 1mm deep, or approximately 2mm deep. In some embodiments, the channels can be approximately 0.5mm - 4mm wide, approximately 1mm - 3mm wide, or approximately 1mm, 2mm, or 3mm wide. Each rib can be approximately 0.25mm - 1mm wide, or approximately 0.25mm, approximately 0.5mm, or approximately 0.75mm wide.

[0023] The channels or support structure portion can vary for different applications. For example, HVAC systems can benefit from compact enclosures as described above in some cases, or volume can be a less important factor in other cases. For example, in building HVAC systems, minimizing pressure drop across the membrane-like separator can be most effective, resulting in larger enclosures and channels on the order of, for example, one order of magnitude larger, e.g., depths in the range of 10mm - 20mm.

[0024] Each rib can have a flat bearing face (contacting the membrane-like separator in use) that smoothly transitions to the sides of the channels. Each channel can have a flat bottom, optionally smoothly transitioning to the sides of the channel. Alternatively, each channel can have a curved bottom, smoothly transitioning from the sides.

[0025] The support structure can comprise a plurality of protrusions. Each protrusion can have a flat bearing face that smoothly transitions to the sides of the channels or flow paths therebetween.

[0026] The support structure can be corrugated, with the corrugations defining the ribs and channels. The corrugated structure can define ribs on one face and channels on the other face. That is, the ribs on one face of the corrugated structure can align with the channels on the other face.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various configurations, patterns, arrays, shapes, or geometries of ribs and / or protrusions can be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention as disclosed herein.

[0028] Advantageously, the support structure can provide unobstructed and generally elongate channels or flow paths that provide conditions for efficient flow of gas over the surface of the membrane-like separator.

[0029] The open area of the film-like partition, i.e. the area of the film-like partition that does not contact the support structure portion, can be higher than about 50% of the total area of the second face (in embodiments having a support arrangement abutting the first face, and / or higher than about 50% of the total area of the first face, as disclosed herein). The open area of the film-like partition can be higher than about 60%, or 70%, 75% or 80%. The open area of the film-like partition can be between about 50-95%, 50-95% or 70-95%. In some embodiments, the open area of the film-like partition can be about 80%, or about 85%, or about 87%.

[0030] The support structure can be mounted to the housing or adhered to the housing.

[0031] The support arrangement may, for example, extend from an inner wall of the housing.

[0032] In some embodiments, the housing defines the support arrangement. The support structure may, for example, be machined integral with or co-moulded with the housing.

[0033] The housing can comprise a frame having a perimeter portion and a wall portion, collectively defining a recess. The film-like partition can be seated in or over the recess and sealed to the perimeter portion.

[0034] In some embodiments, the mesh or support arrangement (as the case can be) is mounted in the recess (and optionally coupled to the housing therein). In some embodiments, the wall portion of the recess defines the support arrangement.

[0035] The perimeter portion can define a portion of the first flow path and / or the second flow path. For example, one or more first apertures or channels can extend through the perimeter portion, the first apertures or channels defining a portion of the first flow path. One or more second channels or apertures can extend through the perimeter portion, the second apertures or channels defining a portion of the second flow path.

[0036] As those skilled in the art will recognize, membrane gas separation involves contacting a first side of a membrane separator with a feed gas and contacting an opposite second side of the membrane separator with an environment containing one or more substances to be selectively removed from the feed gas, having a lower partial pressure. Sometimes, the second side of the membrane separator is in contact with a purge gas. The purge gas may include the same or similar composition as the feed gas, but at a lower absolute pressure—for example, by applying a vacuum to the second side of the membrane separator and / or by increasing the pressure of the feed gas. Alternatively, or additionally, the purge gas may include a lower molar percentage of one or more substances to be selectively removed from the feed gas. In some applications, the environment on the second side of the membrane separator consists only of substances that have permeated through the membrane (i.e., "permeate"), wherein a lower partial pressure of one or more substances to be selectively removed from the feed gas is maintained by applying a vacuum to remove the permeate gas.

[0037] Therefore, in the use of the encapsulation, a portion (e.g., half) of the first orifice or channel is the inlet of a first flow path for the feed gas; and a portion of the first orifice or channel is the outlet of a first flow path for the permeate gas. At least a portion of the second orifice or channel is the outlet of a second flow path for the permeate gas. In many embodiments, a portion (typically half) of the second orifice or channel is the inlet of a second flow path for the purge gas.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as where a vacuum is applied to the second surface of the membrane separator, the second orifice or channel is an outlet communicating with a vacuum pump.

[0039] In some embodiments, the housing may be a sandwich structure, formed by a first housing portion and a second housing portion advantageously sandwiched together via respective first and second perimeter portions (the first and second perimeter portions together define the perimeter of the housing). The sandwich structure facilitates assembly and sealing of the membrane spacer by sandwiching the perimeter of the membrane spacer between the first and second housing portions. The membrane spacer can be sealed and sandwiched between the first and second perimeter portions.

[0040] At least one of the housing portions can be adapted to seal against another housing portion, whereby the housing portions are stacked to form a box with multiple encapsulations, as further detailed herein.

[0041] For certain applications, such as automotive or other applications where minimizing space and weight is critical, the encapsulation is advantageously as thin as possible, allowing the maximum number of encapsulations to be accommodated within a given volume, and maximizing the total exposed area of ​​the membrane separators within the available volume. For example, the encapsulation thickness can be less than about 10 mm, or less than about 8 mm, or less than about 7 mm, or less than about 6 mm, or less than about 5 mm. The encapsulation thickness can be between about 2-10 mm, or between about 2-8 mm, or between about 2-5 mm. In some embodiments, the encapsulation thickness is about 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, or 7 mm.

[0042] In other applications, such as in less space-constrained building HVAC applications, other factors, such as limiting pressure drop, may be more important for overall efficiency. This may lead to the use of larger enclosures to increase the total exposed area of ​​the membrane separator.

[0043] The supporting portion of the support arrangement, whether mesh or grid, depending on the situation, can be conveniently coplanar with the corresponding first or second perimeter portion.

[0044] The encapsulation may include a first support arrangement abutting a first surface of the membrane-like separator and a second support arrangement abutting a second surface of the membrane-like separator. The support structures may be the same or different from each other.

[0045] The first and / or second channel or aperture may be defined between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. For example, the aperture may be formed as a recess or cut in the first perimeter portion such that a channel is formed when connected to the second perimeter portion.

[0046] Advantageously, the housing defines a plurality of first and / or second channels or orifices, preferably distributed around the perimeter of the membrane-like separator. In this way, uniform airflow to / from the corresponding surfaces or surfaces of the membrane-like member is facilitated.

[0047] The housing portions may be joined by adhesives, sealants, welding (e.g., melting the plastic material of each portion together), or any suitable method known to those skilled in the art.

[0048] The encapsulation may include two membrane-like separators, each membrane-like separator having a support arrangement abutting against its second surface, and a shared first flow path between them communicating with the first surface of the membrane-like separator.

[0049] The membrane-like spacer can be separated by spacers. The spacers can include support arrangements. The spacers can be mesh support arrangements as disclosed herein.

[0050] The term selective permeation means that the membrane separator is more permeable to at least one first substance passing through the membrane separator than to at least one second substance passing through the membrane separator.

[0051] For example, encapsulations can be used to dehumidify air, and the permeability of water vapor through selectively permeable materials and thus through selectively permeable membrane-like separators can be greater than that of nitrogen and oxygen through selectively permeable materials. Selective permeability barriers can be selectively permeable to one or more alternative or additional substances that may be present in the air, such as VOCs or CO2.

[0052] Selective permeation materials may include materials selected from: silicone resin materials, polyurethane materials, ionomer materials such as perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers, polyvinyl chloride-based materials such as polyvinyl chloride, polyamide materials such as nylon, or polystyrene or styrene copolymer materials such as sulfonated poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene), and polyimide materials. Selective permeation materials may include siloxane materials selected from, for example, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), cellulose acetate, polysulfone materials such as sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES), polyethylene oxide (PEOePBT), polyethers such as sulfonated polyetheretherketone, and polyol materials such as poly(vinyl alcohol)-eEDTMPA. Selective permeation materials may include hydrophilic biopolymers, such as polysaccharides or functionalized polysaccharides. An exemplary material is chitosan (a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-linked D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, obtainable from crustaceans); however, other biopolymer materials may also be used.

[0053] Selective permeation materials may include materials selected from silicone resins, polyurethanes, ionomers, polyvinyl alcohols, and polyimides. Selective permeation materials may include materials selected from silicone resins or polyurethanes.

[0054] The term "membrane separator" refers to a sheet-like structure formed of one or more layers. Membrane separators can be flexible. The term "membrane" refers to a sheet of material. Membrane separators can have a thickness (between the first and second sides) of about 0.1 to 100 µm, or 0.1 to 50 µm, or 0.1 to 20 µm, or 0.1 to 10 µm. The thickness of the membrane separator can be about 2 µm, about 5 µm, or about 10 µm.

[0055] Membrane separators can result in higher gas transport rates (i.e., mass transport rates of gas) across barriers. Particularly for dehumidification applications, the permeability coefficient (water vapor permeation rate per unit area) traditionally has a practical limit due to the potential for condensation. This invention provides improved diffusion from the second side of the membrane separator by eliminating any intermediate layer, allowing the use of membrane separators with higher GPU values. This, in turn, improves dehumidification efficiency, which is particularly beneficial in certain applications such as EV ventilation or building HVAC systems.

[0056] The porous polymer membrane with membrane-like separator can have a porosity of about or greater than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%. The porosity of the porous polymer membrane can be between about 20% and 95%, or 30% and 95%, or 40% and 95%, or 50% and 95%.

[0057] The porosity of a porous polymer membrane is the value of a bare membrane, and it does not possess any other characteristics of selectively permeable materials or membrane-like separators.

[0058] In certain applications, a combination of one or more of relatively thin membrane separators, high permeability coefficients, and high porosity of porous polymer membranes (each as disclosed herein) may be particularly useful.

[0059] For example, conventional multilayer barriers may have a water vapor permeability coefficient of approximately 5000 GPU, and there are some reports of barriers with a water vapor permeability coefficient of approximately 8000 GPU, where moisture can be sufficiently removed from the second side. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that by using membrane-like separators comprising porous polymer membranes as disclosed herein, barriers with water vapor permeability coefficients of approximately 10000 GPU, 12000 GPU, or 15000 GPU can be used. Comparable gas permeability coefficient values ​​can also be achieved for membrane-like separators that are selective for other substances such as VOCs.

[0060] The term "sealing" refers to a substantially airtight seal, which can be achieved using sealants, adhesives, welding, sealing components such as gaskets, and / or compressive forces.

[0061] Porous polymer membranes can include any suitable polymer, such as fluoropolymers like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polysulfones like polyethersulfone (PES), or thermoplastics like polyethylene (PE, including UHMWPE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), etc., polyamides, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly(p-xylene), or polybasic acids including polylactic acid (PLA). Porous polymer membranes can include PP, PTFE, or PE.

[0062] Polymer membranes can be made porous in a variety of ways, such as by phase inversion or laser processing, as is known to those skilled in the art. In some preferred embodiments, the porous polymer membrane is an expanded polymer membrane.

[0063] As those skilled in the art will recognize, expanded polymer films comprise a microstructure of nodes and fibrils, and can be formed through one or more steps of uniaxial or biaxially expanded polymer films or sheets at controlled temperatures, expansion rates, and expansion ratios. Expanded polymer films are associated with a favorable combination of tensile strength, thickness, and porosity. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will recognize, these properties can be tuned by varying the thickness of the precursor sheet and the expansion conditions.

[0064] For example, the expansion of PTFE to form ePTFE was first described in US3953566 (WL Gore & Co., Ltd.) and numerous subsequent works. Similar expanding films of other polymers have been described differently, for example in EP3385346 (WL Gore & Co., Ltd.), US 2016 / 032044 (WL Gore & Co., Ltd.), US 2005 / 003011 (Sridharan et al.), Bhullar, Sukhwinder K., "Three decades of auxetic polymers: a review", e-Polymers, Vol. 15, No. 4, 2015, pp. 205-215, or Liu and Hu, "A review on auxetic structures and polymeric materials", Scientific Research and Essays, Vol. 5(10), pp. 1052-1063, May 18, 2010; the contents of each reference are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the porous polymer membrane includes ePP (expanded polypropylene), ePE, or ePTFE.

[0065] It has been found that using expanded polymer membranes can provide the desired thickness, porosity, and gas permeability combination when combined with suitable selective permeation materials.

[0066] The pores of porous polymer membranes, especially when the porous polymer membrane is an expanded polymer membrane, can be impregnated with selectively permeable materials.

[0067] Porous polymer membranes can be impregnated with selectively permeable materials through part or all of their thickness.

[0068] Therefore, membrane separators may include composite membranes formed from porous polymer membranes impregnated with selectively permeable materials.

[0069] As used herein, the term "impregnation" refers to selectively permeating material that fills or substantially fills the pores of a porous polymer membrane, extending through at least a portion of the membrane's thickness.

[0070] Because the pores of the porous polymer membrane are filled with a selectively permeable material, substances must permeate through the selectively permeable material. Therefore, the composite membrane advantageously provides a gas diffusion barrier and inherits the selective permeability properties of the selectively permeable material. Conversely, the porous membrane provides mechanical support for the selectively permeable material, and in some embodiments (such as the expandable membrane disclosed below), the porous membrane acts as a scaffold.

[0071] The composite membrane consists of a porous polymer membrane and a selectively permeable material, which, together, utilizes the selectivity of the selectively permeable material (e.g., possibly within 10²-10). 5 (on the order of magnitude), which can substantially prevent any "convective" flow of at least one second substance, or flow due to absolute pressure difference. For example, in membrane dehumidification, materials with a selectivity of 20,000 to 30,000 for water vapor relative to nitrogen / oxygen are known, resulting in a low overall flow through the membrane and negligible effect on the pressure difference established between the first and second sides of the membrane separator during use.

[0072] The impregnated composite membranes disclosed herein may contain small, microscale “defects” or voids within their plane, where the pores are not filled with the selectively permeable material. Such defects may allow small convective flows or flows caused by absolute pressure differentials. Such “leakage” would account for less than 1% or well less than 1% (e.g., less than 0.5%, or 0.2% or 0.1%) of the flow generated by the bare membrane under equivalent conditions.

[0073] Porous polymer membranes, particularly expandable polymer membranes as disclosed herein, can be impregnated in any suitable manner. For example, it is known to impregnate porous membranes by wetting or coating them with a solution or dispersion of a selectively permeable material. The solution or dispersion thus permeates through the pores, and the solvent or carrier can be removed by drying or heating, leaving the selectively permeable material in situ. When using polymer selectively permeable materials, the solution or dispersion may include precursors such as monomer solutions, whereby the selectively permeable material precursors are polymerized, cured, or otherwise reacted to form the selectively permeable material.

[0074] In some embodiments, impregnation is achieved by placing a thin film or layer of selectively permeable material against the surface of a porous polymer membrane and compressing the film and membrane together, allowing the selectively permeable material to flow into the pores of the porous polymer membrane.

[0075] Membrane separators may include two or more such composite membranes.

[0076] In some embodiments, such as when the porous polymer membrane has been impregnated from one side (by applying a solution or suspension to one side of the porous polymer membrane, or by applying a thin film to one side of the porous polymer membrane), the composite membrane can be impregnated through a portion of the membrane thickness, and the composite membrane may include a coating of selectively permeable material on one side (hereinafter referred to as the coated side), wherein the opposite side does not contain selectively permeable material (hereinafter referred to as the bare side). In this document, such a composite membrane is referred to as a partially impregnated composite membrane.

[0077] In many cases, selectively permeable materials are sticky and prone to fouling. In embodiments where the membrane separator comprises a composite membrane with at least two partially impregnated portions, the handling and operation of the membrane separator can be improved, wherein a first and second surface of the membrane separator is defined by the respective exposed surfaces of the two partially impregnated composite membranes.

[0078] Two partially impregnated composite films can be bonded together via their coated surfaces.

[0079] The encapsulation can be formed as part of a stack or box comprising multiple encapsulations. The inlet of each first flow path of the multiple encapsulations can be connected to a common feed gas inlet. The outlet of each first flow path can be connected to a common permeate gas outlet.

[0080] The outlet of each second flow path of the multiple encapsulations can be connected to a permeation outlet. The inlet of each second flow path can be connected to a purge gas inlet, such as for a purge gas stream, an external air stream, or a mixture thereof, as disclosed herein.

[0081] As described above, in an embodiment having a sandwich structure including a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the second housing portion may be adapted to seal against a third housing portion, thereby forming part of a stack of multiple encapsulations.

[0082] In other words, the second housing portion can be a double-sided housing portion having a second perimeter portion, which together with the opposite surface of the wall portion defines two recesses on the opposite surface of the second housing portion.

[0083] The first housing portion may be connected to the first face of the second perimeter portion of the second housing to define the first encapsulation.

[0084] The opposite second side of the second perimeter portion can be connected to the third perimeter portion to define the second package.

[0085] Any number of housing portions can be stacked in this manner, and the resulting stack or box typically comprises two types of housing portions: two end housing portions having the features of the first housing portion disclosed herein; and one or more double-sided intermediate housing portions between them. This defines an encapsulation between adjacent housing portions, and membrane-like spacers can be sealed therebetween. In some embodiments, one or more or each recess may include two membrane-like spacers and a spacer or support structure between them.

[0086] In a second aspect, the invention extends to a cartridge for gas separation, the cartridge comprising: Two end housing portions, each having an end perimeter portion and an end wall portion defining a recess, having the features of the first housing portion disclosed herein; and One or more intermediate shell portions therebetween, each of the intermediate shell portions having an intermediate perimeter portion and an intermediate wall portion, wherein a first surface of the intermediate perimeter portion and the intermediate wall portion defines a first recess, and a second surface of the intermediate perimeter portion and the intermediate wall portion defines a second recess; The membrane separator is sealed between each adjacent end perimeter portion and / or intermediate perimeter portion; The adjacent end perimeter portions and intermediate perimeter portions, and / or adjacent intermediate perimeter portions, at least partially define a first flow path communicating with the first gas surface of the membrane separator and a second flow path communicating with the second gas surface of the membrane separator; and The support arrangement is directly positioned to abut against the first or second surface of each membrane separator and is configured to mechanically support the membrane separator and define at least a portion of the corresponding first or second flow path; in: The inlet of each of the first flow paths is configured to communicate with a common feed gas inlet; and The outlet of each of the first flow paths is configured to communicate with a common permeate gas outlet; and The outlet of each of the second flow paths is configured to be connected to a common permeation outlet.

[0087] Each inlet of the second flow path may be configured to communicate with a purge gas inlet, for example for a purge gas flow, an external air flow, or a mixture thereof, as disclosed herein.

[0088] The housing portion and the adjacent housing portion sealed to the housing portion together define the encapsulation as disclosed herein.

[0089] Accordingly, as disclosed herein, a housing portion sealed to its opposite face of two adjacent housing portions can thereby define each of two corresponding encapsulations with each of the adjacent housing portions.

[0090] The support structure for each encapsulation in the box may be defined by one or both wall portions of the housing portion forming the encapsulation. In some embodiments, the intermediate wall portion of the housing portion may define a support structure on each side thereof.

[0091] The intermediate wall portion of the intermediate shell can be corrugated, with the corrugations defining ribs and channels for the supporting structure on both sides of the intermediate wall portion. That is, the ribs on one side of the corrugated intermediate wall portion are aligned with the channels on the other side, and vice versa.

[0092] The corrugations can have a “peak-to-valley” depth of about 0.5–3 mm or about 1–2 mm (i.e., the thickness measured through the intermediate shell portion from the top of the rib on one face of the intermediate shell portion to the bottom of the channel on the same face). The encapsulation defined by the intermediate shell portion (i.e. by the adjacent intermediate shell portion or end shell portion) can have a thickness of about 2–5 mm, or about 3 mm, 4 mm or 5 mm.

[0093] The housing may further include a first inlet manifold that communicates with and is connectable to the inlet of each first flow path. The first inlet manifold may have a single inlet for receiving feed gas and communicate with the inlet of each first flow path. The first inlet manifold may be sealed against a wall of the housing defined by the stacked wall portions of the stacked housing portions, for example via gaskets, bolts, etc. The first inlet manifold may be defined by the housing portions, for example by manifold spaces extending beyond the respective perimeter portions, which together form a manifold when the housing portions are sealed to each other.

[0094] The box may further include a first outlet manifold communicating with the outlet of each first flow path and being connectable to or connectable to the outlet of each first flow path. The first outlet manifold may have a single outlet for residual gas, communicating with the outlet of each first flow path. The first outlet manifold may be sealed against a wall of the housing defined by a stacked wall portion of the stacked housing portions. The first outlet manifold may be defined by the housing portions, for example by a manifold space extending beyond a corresponding perimeter portion.

[0095] The housing may include a second outlet manifold that communicates with and is connectable to the outlet of each second flow path. The second outlet manifold may have a single outlet for permeate gas, communicating with the outlet of each second flow path. The second outlet manifold may be sealed against a wall of the housing defined by a stacked wall portion of the stacked housing portions. The second outlet manifold may be defined by the housing portions.

[0096] In some embodiments, the housing may include a second inlet manifold that communicates with and is connectable to the inlet of each second flow path. The second inlet manifold may have a single inlet for purge gas and communicate with the outlet of each second flow path. The second inlet manifold may be sealed against a wall of the housing defined by a stacked wall portion of the stacked housing portions. The second inlet manifold may be defined by a housing portion. The second outlet manifold may be defined by a housing portion.

[0097] The box can be arranged for cross-flow, counter-flow (also known as reverse flow), or parallel flow for the first and second flow paths.

[0098] It should be understood that each manifold may include multiple inlets or outlets as needed for a specific purpose, depending on the circumstances.

[0099] In a third aspect, the invention extends to the use of encapsulations as disclosed in the first aspect or boxes as disclosed herein in gas separation. This use could be for dehumidifying feed gas. This use could be for dehumidifying vehicle cabin air in a vehicle ventilation system. The vehicle could be a motor vehicle. The vehicle could be an electric vehicle (EV). This use could include the use of boxes comprising multiple encapsulations.

[0100] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided for selectively removing one or more first substances from a feed gas comprising the one or more first substances and one or more second substances, the method comprising: Provide the first-party packaging; The feed gas is allowed to flow into the first flow path and to contact the first surface of the membrane separator; The second surface of the membrane separator is brought into contact with the environment of the one or more first substances having a lower partial pressure; The one or more first substances are allowed to permeate through the membrane separator at a higher normalized rate than the one or more second substances; Remove permeate gas, including one or more of the first substances, from the second flow path; and The residual gas is allowed to flow out of the first flow path, the residual gas having a lower molar percentage of one or more of the first substances than the feed gas.

[0101] In this article, the higher or lower partial pressure of one or more gases during gas separation refers to the mole percentage of that substance multiplied by the absolute pressure of that gas. For any given partial pressure difference comprising one or more substances, the absolute pressures of any two gases (e.g., feed gas and purge gas) can be higher or lower than each other, depending on the mole percentage present in each gas. Conversely, a higher or lower partial pressure will correspond to a higher or lower mole percentage of a given substance, depending on the absolute pressure of the given gas.

[0102] The term "normalized rate" in this document refers to the absolute rate of (substance permeation) divided by the molar percentage of that substance in, for example, the source gas used as feed gas. Therefore, a higher normalized permeation rate results in a change in the molar percentage of the resulting gas, for example, the residual gas. It should be understood that when the normalized permeation rate of the first substance is higher than that of the second substance, the absolute permeation rate of the second substance can be higher or lower than the absolute permeation rate of the first substance, depending on the molar percentage of each substance in the feed gas.

[0103] The one or more first substances may include water vapor, and the method may include dehumidifying the feed gas. The one or more first substances may include carbon dioxide.

[0104] The feed gas can flow out of the vehicle compartment. The feed gas can flow out from outside the vehicle. Residual gas, or a large portion of the residual gas (residual air), can flow into the vehicle compartment. The encapsulation can form part of a vehicle ventilation system, such as an HVAC system. The feed gas can be air. The air can come from the vehicle compartment or from outside the vehicle.

[0105] The term "major portion" of residual gas refers to at least 75%, 85%, or 95% of the residual gas. "Minor portion" refers to the remaining portion of the residual gas.

[0106] The one or more first substances permeate through the membrane separator at a higher normalized rate than the one or more second substances, at least in part due to the physical or chemical properties of the selectively permeable material of the membrane separator. The normalized permeation rate of the one or more first substances can also vary as a function of the partial pressure difference of the one or more first substances across the membrane separator.

[0107] The method may further include increasing the partial pressure of one or more first substances in the feed gas, and / or decreasing the partial pressure of one or more first substances on the second surface of the contact membrane separator.

[0108] In the first flow path, the feed gas and permeate may be at ambient pressure. In other embodiments, the method includes increasing the pressure of the feed gas above ambient pressure (thereby increasing the partial pressure of one or more first substances).

[0109] The method may include reducing the pressure of the gas on the second surface of the contact membrane separator, for example by applying a vacuum to it.

[0110] The environment on the second side of the contact membrane separator can be under ambient pressure.

[0111] The method may include: flowing purge gas into a second flow path, the purge gas having a lower partial pressure of one or more first components than the feed gas; and removing permeate (including the proportion of one or more substances that have permeated through the membrane separator) by flowing permeate gas out of the second flow path.

[0112] The method may include providing intake air. The purge gas may include or consist of the intake air. The intake air may be, for example, ambient air. Ambient air may be from an external environment, such as outside the vehicle. Ambient air may be part of or taken from the same source as the feed gas—for example, vehicle cabin air.

[0113] The method may include reducing the partial pressure of one or more first substances in the purge gas compared to the intake gas by optionally introducing a small portion of residual gas, which may be referred to in the art as a "sweeping gas flow," into a second flow path along with the intake gas. The method may include mixing the intake gas and the sweeping gas flow to form the purge gas. The method may include reducing the absolute pressure of the intake gas to form the purge gas.

[0114] In some applications, the percolating gas, having a lower molar percentage of one or more first substances than the feed gas, may also have a lower partial pressure of one or more first substances than the intake gas mixed with it. For example, in motor vehicle applications, it may be beneficial to reduce the partial pressure of one or more first substances (e.g., water vapor and / or CO2) in the purge gas compared to the intake air (e.g., outside air or cabin air) to improve efficiency. Mixing the purge gas stream can reduce the partial pressure of one or more first substances present in the purge gas compared to the intake air. This increases or creates a partial pressure differential of one or more first substances across the membrane-like separator, and thus also increases their percolation rate.

[0115] The method may include reducing the partial pressure of one or more first substances in the purge gas compared to the intake gas by reducing the absolute pressure.

[0116] In other embodiments, the purge gas is formed entirely from the purge gas flow. The method may include reducing the pressure of the purge gas flow to form the purge gas.

[0117] The method may include providing a box comprising a plurality of encapsulations, wherein a feed gas is allowed to flow into a first flow path of each encapsulation of the box and contact a first surface of each encapsulation; wherein a second surface of each encapsulation is allowed to contact an environment having a lower partial pressure of the one or more first substances; wherein the one or more first substances are allowed to permeate through each membrane separator and be removed from each second flow path at a higher normalized rate than the one or more second substances; and wherein residual gas is allowed to flow out of each first flow path, the residual gas having a lower molar percentage of the one or more first substances than the feed gas.

[0118] The box may include a first inlet manifold communicating with the inlet of each first flow path. The method may include allowing feed gas to flow into the first inlet manifold through a feed gas inlet. The method may also include allowing feed gas to flow from the first inlet manifold into each first flow path.

[0119] The box may further include a first outlet manifold communicating with the outlet of each first flow path. Accordingly, the method may include allowing residual gas to flow out of the first flow path and into the first outlet manifold. The method may also include allowing residual gas to flow out of the first outlet manifold through a residual outlet of the first outlet manifold.

[0120] The box may further include a second outlet manifold communicating with the outlet of each second flow path. Accordingly, the method may include allowing permeate gas to flow out of the second flow path and into the second outlet manifold. The method may also include allowing permeate gas to flow out of the second outlet manifold through a permeate outlet of the second outlet manifold.

[0121] The box may include a second inlet manifold communicating with the inlet of each second flow path. The method may include allowing feed gas to flow into the second inlet manifold through a purge gas inlet. The method may also include allowing purge gas to flow from the second inlet manifold into each second flow path. The box may include the features of the box in the second aspect.

[0122] In a fifth aspect, a gas separation system is provided for selectively removing one or more first substances from a feed gas, the feed gas comprising the one or more first substances and one or more second substances; The gas separation system includes: The membrane separation unit has: A feed gas inlet for the feed gas and a residual gas outlet for the residual gas; and a permeate outlet for the permeate gas; The first aspect of the encapsulation, wherein the feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are in communication with a first fluid path of the encapsulation; and wherein the permeate outlet is in communication with a second flow path.

[0123] The membrane separation unit may include a cassette comprising a plurality of encapsulations, as disclosed herein, according to the second aspect.

[0124] The box may include a first inlet manifold, which includes the feed gas inlet and is connected to the inlet of the first flow path.

[0125] The box may include a first outlet manifold connected to the outlet of each of the first flow paths and the permeate outlet.

[0126] The box may include a second outlet manifold that communicates with the outlet of each of the second flow paths and the permeation outlet.

[0127] The box may include a second inlet manifold that communicates with the inlet of each of the second flow paths and the purge gas inlet.

[0128] In a sixth aspect, a gas separation system is provided for selectively removing one or more first substances from a feed gas, the feed gas comprising the one or more first substances and one or more second substances; The gas separation system includes: The membrane separation unit has: A feed gas inlet for the feed gas and a residual gas outlet for the residual gas; and a permeate outlet for the permeate gas; The feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are connected to a first fluid path, which is connected to a first side of the membrane separator, and the permeate outlet is connected to a second flow path, which is connected to a second surface of the membrane separator.

[0129] The membrane-like separator may include a selectively permeable membrane, which is more permeable to water vapor than to at least oxygen and nitrogen. The selectively permeable membrane may be supported on a porous support. For example, the membrane-like separator may be approximately as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown.

[0130] The membrane-like separator can have a permeability coefficient of about 10,000 GPU, 12,000 GPU, or 15,000 GPU for the at least one first substance. The porous polymer membrane of the membrane-like separator can have a porosity of about or greater than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%. The porosity of the porous polymer membrane can be between about 20%-95%, or 30%-95%, or 40%-95%, or 50%-95%. The porosity of the porous polymer membrane can be about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95%.

[0131] The membrane-like separator can be described according to the eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect of the invention disclosed herein.

[0132] The gas separation system may further include a purge gas inlet communicating with the second flow path, thereby allowing a purge gas having a partial pressure of one or more first substances lower than the feed gas to flow through or contact the second surface of the membrane separator.

[0133] The gas separation system of the sixth aspect may include a gas separation unit, which includes an encapsulation or a box including multiple encapsulations according to the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein.

[0134] The gas separation system may include pumping equipment to reduce the pressure in the second flow path (i.e., apply a vacuum thereto). The gas separation system may include means for increasing the pressure of the feed gas above ambient pressure, such as a pump.

[0135] The gas separation system may be a dehumidification system. The one or more first substances may include water vapor. The one or more first substances may include carbon dioxide.

[0136] The gas separation system may be, for example, an HVAC system in a building HVAC system, or form part of it.

[0137] The gas separation system may be a vehicle ventilation system, or a part thereof. The vehicle may be a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be an EV (electric vehicle).

[0138] The feed gas can be air. The air can come from the vehicle compartment or from outside the vehicle.

[0139] It should be understood that the permeated gas will flow to the outside of the vehicle via the second flow path.

[0140] The ventilation system may include ducts for supplying air from the vehicle compartment to a feed gas inlet. The ventilation system may also include ducts for supplying air from outside the vehicle. Typically, the ventilation system includes devices for switching between ducts from the vehicle compartment and ducts outside the vehicle. The ventilation system will further include ducts from a feed gas outlet to the vehicle compartment to circulate or recirculate residual air back into the vehicle compartment.

[0141] The ventilation system may include a scavenging gas duct for directing a scavenging gas stream, consisting of a small portion of residual gas, to the purge gas inlet, optionally mixing with outside air. The scavenging gas duct may extend from a residual outlet or a duct downstream of it to a duct upstream of it.

[0142] Ventilation systems can be configured to regulate flow through various ducts or pipes, including fans, dampers, or valves, as known in the art. Ventilation systems can be configured to operate in various different modes of operation depending on the specific circumstances.

[0143] The operating modes of a vehicle ventilation system may include the following: - Air in the carriage flows along the duct to the feed gas inlet.

[0144] - Excess air is recirculated back into the vehicle compartment via a pipe from the excess outlet.

[0145] - Apply a vacuum to the second flow path (e.g., at the permeate outlet or downstream of it).

[0146] Such operating conditions can be applied, for example, to winter operation of vehicles.

[0147] The dehumidification rate can be increased, and the operating mode further includes: - A purging gas flow consisting of a small portion of residual air is introduced into the purge gas inlet leading to the second flow path.

[0148] Gas flow through a second flow path (through the second surface) can increase the moisture removal rate. While it is undesirable to be bound by theory, gas flow may help disrupt the boundary layer on the second surface and mitigate condensation.

[0149] In cold conditions, outside air typically needs to be heated to ensure occupant comfort, so recirculation mode is usually the most efficient. Sweeping airflow can reduce the overall efficiency of a vehicle ventilation system by increasing the amount of outside air that must be introduced into the vehicle compartment to compensate for the sweeping airflow (which flows out of the vehicle along with the purge gas).

[0150] Alternative operating modes include a purge gas inlet that directs outside air into a second flow path. The novel operating mode disclosed herein avoids the need to heat this outside air, thereby avoiding the potential additional energy costs.

[0151] The inventors have devised a novel mode of operation, which is achieved by the inventive encapsulation and membrane-like separator disclosed herein.

[0152] In a seventh aspect of the invention, an operating mode of a vehicle ventilation system disclosed in other aspects is correspondingly disclosed, including the following: - Carriage air is supplied along the pipeline to the feed gas inlet.

[0153] - Excess air is recirculated back into the vehicle compartment via a pipe from the excess outlet.

[0154] - External air (which may be fully, substantially, or partially unheated) is supplied along the pipe to the purge gas inlet.

[0155] - Optionally, a vacuum may be applied to the second flow path (e.g., at the permeate outlet or downstream thereof).

[0156] Under cold operating conditions, outside air typically has low humidity and therefore a lower water vapor partial pressure than the air supplied to the vehicle cabin. In some cases, outside air does not need to be heated like a conventional HVAC system (which typically raises the outside air temperature to the vehicle cabin temperature) and may be partially heated or not heated at all (i.e., flowing into the secondary flow path at ambient temperature).

[0157] According to an eighth aspect, the present invention relates to a membrane separator used as a dehumidification membrane, the membrane separator comprising a porous polymer membrane and a selectively permeable material, the selectively permeable material being more permeable to water vapor than to nitrogen and oxygen; wherein the membrane separator has a permeability coefficient of at least about 10,000 GPU.

[0158] The membrane separator may have a permeability coefficient of at least about 10,000 GPU, 12,000 GPU, or 15,000 GPU.

[0159] The porous polymer membrane with membrane-like separator can have a porosity of about or greater than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%. The porosity of the porous polymer membrane can be between about 20% and 95%, or 30% and 95%, or 40% and 95%, or 50% and 95%.

[0160] The membrane separator can have a thickness (between the first and second sides) on the order of about 0.1 to 100 µm, or 0.1 to 50 µm, or 0.1 to 20 µm, or 0.1 to 10 µm. The thickness of the membrane separator can be about 2 µm, about 5 µm, or about 10 µm.

[0161] Membrane separators advantageously lack further protective layers, such as nonwoven protective layers.

[0162] Porous polymer membranes can be expanded polymer membranes.

[0163] Porous polymer membranes can include any suitable polymer, such as fluoropolymers like PTFE, or thermoplastics like polyethylene (PE, including UHMWPE), polypropylene (PP), polyamides, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly(p-xylene), or polybasic acids including polylactic acid (PLA). Porous polymer membranes can include PP, PTFE, or PE.

[0164] Porous polymer membranes can be expanded polymer membranes. Porous polymer membranes can be expanded polypropylene (ePP), expanded polyethylene (ePE), or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes.

[0165] Porous polymer membranes can be impregnated with selectively permeable materials that penetrate at least a portion of the thickness of the porous polymer membrane to form a composite membrane.

[0166] Membrane separators may include two or more such composite membranes.

[0167] In some embodiments, the composite membrane is a partially impregnated composite membrane, impregnated through a portion of the membrane thickness, and the composite membrane includes a coating of selectively permeable material on the coated surface, wherein the opposite surface of the membrane is an exposed surface without selectively permeable material.

[0168] The membrane separator may include at least two partially impregnated composite membranes, wherein a first and second side of the membrane separator is defined by the exposed surfaces of the two partially impregnated composite membranes, respectively.

[0169] In some embodiments, the membrane separators comprise two portions of a composite membrane impregnated and bonded together via their coated surfaces.

[0170] Further optional features of the membrane separator correspond to further features of the membrane separator in other aspects disclosed herein.

[0171] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a membrane separator for gas separation is provided, comprising: Porous polymer membranes; and A selectively permeable material, wherein the selectively permeable material has a greater permeability to at least one first substance than to at least one second substance through the membrane-like separator; The porous polymer membrane is impregnated with the selectively permeable material, which penetrates at least a portion of the thickness of the porous polymer membrane.

[0172] Porous polymer membranes can be expanded polymer membranes. Porous polymer membranes can be ePP, ePE, or ePTFE membranes.

[0173] The membrane separator may have a permeability coefficient of at least one of the first substances of at least about 10,000 GPU, 12,000 GPU, or 15,000 GPU.

[0174] Porous polymer membranes can have porosities of approximately or greater than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%. The porosity of porous polymer membranes can be between approximately 20% and 95%, or 30% and 95%, or 40% and 95%, or 50% and 95%.

[0175] The membrane-like separator or its membrane may have a thickness (between the first and second sides) on the order of about 0.1 to 100 µm, or 0.1 to 50 µm, or 0.1 to 20 µm, or 0.1 to 10 µm. The membrane-like separator may have a thickness of about 2 µm, about 5 µm, or about 10 µm. The thickness of the membrane-like separator may be about 2 µm, about 5 µm, or about 10 µm.

[0176] Selective permeation materials may include materials selected from the following: silicone resin materials, polyurethane materials, ionomer materials, polyvinyl alcohol materials, polyamide materials, polyimide materials, and hydrophilic biopolymer materials.

[0177] Further optional features of the membrane separator correspond to further features of the membrane separator in other aspects disclosed herein.

[0178] According to a tenth aspect, the present invention relates to a membrane-like separator used as a gas separation membrane, the membrane-like separator having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and the membrane-like separator comprising: A first composite membrane and a second composite membrane, each composite membrane comprising a porous polymer membrane impregnated with a selectively permeable material through a portion of the thickness of the porous polymer membrane; The selectively permeable material has a greater permeability to at least one first substance than to at least one second substance. Each of the composite membranes has: The coating surface includes a coating of the selectively penetrating material; and The exposed surface does not contain the selectively permeable material described above; Furthermore, the first and second sides of the membrane-like separator are defined by the exposed surfaces of the two partially impregnated composite membranes.

[0179] In some embodiments, the membrane separators comprise two portions of a composite membrane impregnated and bonded together via their coated surfaces.

[0180] Membrane separators may include more than two composite membranes.

[0181] The membrane separator may have a permeability coefficient of at least about 10,000 GPU to the at least one first substance.

[0182] The membrane separator may have a permeability coefficient of approximately 10,000 GPU, 12,000 GPU, or 15,000 GPU to the at least one first substance.

[0183] The at least one first substance may include water vapor. The at least one first substance may include carbon dioxide.

[0184] The at least one second substance may include oxygen and nitrogen.

[0185] Membrane separators can be used for air dehumidification.

[0186] Each porous polymer membrane may independently have the porosity and / or thickness as disclosed herein with respect to other aspects. Each porous polymer membrane may independently comprise any suitable polymer, including those disclosed herein with respect to other aspects.

[0187] Each porous polymer membrane can be an expanded polymer membrane. Each porous polymer membrane can be independently an ePP, ePE, or ePTFE membrane.

[0188] Further optional features of the membrane separator correspond to further features of the membrane separator in other aspects disclosed herein.

[0189] In an eleventh aspect, a method is provided for selectively removing one or more first substances from a feed gas comprising the one or more first substances and one or more second substances, the method comprising: A membrane separation unit is provided, the membrane separation unit having: A feed gas inlet for the feed gas and a residual gas outlet for the residual gas; and a permeate outlet for the permeate gas; The feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are connected to a first fluid path, which is connected to a first side of a membrane separator according to the eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect, and the permeate outlet is connected to a second flow path, which is connected to a second surface of the membrane separator. The feed gas is allowed to flow into the first flow path and to contact the first surface of the membrane separator; The second surface of the membrane separator is brought into contact with the environment of the one or more first substances having a lower partial pressure; The one or more first substances are allowed to permeate through the membrane separator at a higher normalized rate than the one or more second substances; Remove permeate gas, including one or more of the first substances, from the second flow path; and The residual gas is allowed to flow out of the first flow path, the residual gas having a lower molar percentage of one or more of the first substances than the feed gas.

[0190] In a twelfth aspect, a method for dehumidifying a feed gas is provided, the feed gas comprising water vapor and one or more second substances, the method comprising: A membrane separation unit is provided, the membrane separation unit having: A feed gas inlet for the feed gas and a residual gas outlet for the residual gas; and a permeate outlet for the permeate gas; The feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are connected to a first fluid path, which is connected to a first side of the membrane separator according to the eighth aspect, and the permeate outlet is connected to a second flow path, which is connected to a second surface of the membrane separator. The feed gas is allowed to flow into the first flow path and to contact the first surface of the membrane separator; The second surface of the membrane separator is brought into contact with an environment having a low water vapor partial pressure; The water vapor permeates through the membrane separator at a higher normalized rate than the one or more second substances; Remove permeate gas, including water vapor, from the second flow path; and The residual gas is allowed to flow out of the first flow path, the residual gas having a lower molar percentage of water vapor than the feed gas.

[0191] The feed gas can be air. The feed gas can be the air inside the vehicle compartment.

[0192] In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the use of the membrane separator according to the eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect in gas separation is provided. The gas separation system may be an HVAC system (e.g., an HVAC system in a building) or a vehicle ventilation system.

[0193] In the fourteenth aspect, a method for dehumidifying the air inside a vehicle compartment is provided, comprising: A membrane separation unit is provided, the membrane separation unit having: A membrane-like separator, including a selectively permeable membrane, said selectively permeable membrane being more permeable to water vapor than to at least oxygen and nitrogen; The vehicle compartment has a feed gas inlet for air and a residual gas outlet for residual gas; and a permeate outlet for permeate gas. A first fluid path communicating with the first side of the membrane separator; and A second flow path communicating with the second surface of the membrane separator; The feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are connected to the first fluid path, and the permeate outlet is connected to the second flow path; The air in the carriage is made to flow along the duct and enter the first flow path, and the air in the carriage is made to contact the first surface of the membrane separator; The second surface of the membrane separator is brought into contact with an environment having a lower water vapor partial pressure than the first surface. The water vapor permeates from the first surface through the membrane separator to the second surface at a normalized rate higher than that of at least oxygen and nitrogen; Remove permeate gas, including water vapor, from the second flow path; The residual gas is allowed to flow out of the first flow path and recirculated back into the vehicle compartment via a pipeline; the residual gas contains water vapor with a lower molar percentage than the feed gas; and One or both of the following: Outside air (which may be partially or completely unheated) is supplied to the purge gas inlet via an additional duct from outside the vehicle. A vacuum is applied to the second flow path.

[0194] The membrane-like separator may include a selectively permeable membrane, which is more permeable to water vapor than to at least oxygen and nitrogen. The selectively permeable membrane may be supported on a porous support. For example, the membrane-like separator may be approximately as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown.

[0195] The membrane-like separator can have a permeability coefficient of about 10,000 GPU, 12,000 GPU, or 15,000 GPU for the at least one first substance. The porous polymer membrane of the membrane-like separator can have a porosity of about or greater than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%. The porosity of the porous polymer membrane can be between about 20%-95%, or 30%-95%, or 40%-95%, or 50%-95%. The porosity of the porous polymer membrane can be about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95%.

[0196] The membrane-like separator can be described according to the eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect of the invention disclosed herein.

[0197] The membrane separation unit disclosed herein may include multiple membrane separators or multiple encapsulations; for example, in the form of a stack or box of membrane separators or encapsulations, each sharing a common inlet and outlet. The encapsulations or boxes may be configured according to the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein.

[0198] The method may include providing a membrane separation unit comprising encapsulations according to aspects and embodiments disclosed herein. The method may also include providing a membrane separation unit comprising encapsulations according to aspects and embodiments disclosed herein. The method may further include providing a membrane separation unit having a cartridge comprising a plurality of encapsulations, wherein the feed gas flows into a first flow path of each encapsulation of the cartridge and contacts a first surface of each encapsulation; wherein a second surface of each encapsulation is contacted with an environment of the one or more first substances having a lower partial pressure; wherein the one or more first substances permeate through each membrane separator at a higher normalized rate than the one or more second substances and are removed from each second flow path; and wherein residual gas flows out of each first flow path.

[0199] The box may include a first inlet manifold communicating with the inlet of each first flow path. The method may include allowing feed gas to flow into the first inlet manifold through a feed gas inlet. The method may also include allowing feed gas to flow from the first inlet manifold into each first flow path.

[0200] The box may further include a first outlet manifold communicating with the outlet of each first flow path. Accordingly, the method may include allowing residual gas to flow out of the first flow path and into the first outlet manifold. The method may also include allowing residual gas to flow out of the first outlet manifold through a residual outlet of the first outlet manifold.

[0201] The box may further include a second outlet manifold communicating with the outlet of each second flow path. Accordingly, the method may include allowing permeate gas to flow out of the second flow path and into the second outlet manifold. The method may also include allowing permeate gas to flow out of the second outlet manifold through a permeate outlet of the second outlet manifold.

[0202] The box may include a second inlet manifold communicating with the inlet of each second flow path. The method may include allowing purge gas to flow into the second inlet manifold through a purge gas inlet. The method may also include allowing purge gas to flow from the second inlet manifold into each second flow path.

[0203] The fourteenth aspect can also be understood by referring to the following numbered schemes: Technical Solution 1. A dehumidification system for a vehicle, used to selectively remove water vapor from a feed gas, wherein the feed gas is vehicle cabin air; The dehumidification system includes: The membrane separation unit has: A membrane-like separator, including a selectively permeable membrane, said selectively permeable membrane being more permeable to water vapor than to at least oxygen and nitrogen; The vehicle compartment has a feed gas inlet for air and a residual gas outlet for residual gas; and a permeate outlet for permeate gas. A first flow path communicating with the first side of the membrane separator; and A second flow path communicating with the second surface of the membrane separator; The feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are connected to the first flow path, and the permeate outlet is connected to the second flow path. Pipes for supplying air from the vehicle compartment to the feed gas inlet and / or pipes for supplying air from outside the vehicle; and Pipes used to allow residual gas outlets to flow into vehicle compartments to circulate or recirculate residual air into vehicle compartments. The system can be configured to have operating modes, wherein the operating modes include: - Carriage air supplied from the vehicle compartment is supplied along the duct to the feed gas inlet; - The residual air is recirculated back into the vehicle compartment via a pipe from the residual outlet; and - One or both of the following: Outside air, optionally unheated, is supplied through an additional duct from outside the vehicle to the purge gas inlet leading to the second fluid path; A vacuum is applied to the second flow path.

[0204] Technical Solution 2. The dehumidification system according to Solution 1, wherein the operating mode further includes: A purge gas stream consisting of a small portion of the residual air is introduced into the purge gas inlet leading to the second flow path.

[0205] Technical Solution 3. The dehumidification system according to Solution 1 or 2, wherein the membrane separator has a permeability coefficient of at least about 10,000 GPU, 12,000 GPU or 15,000 GPU for water vapor; and / or has a thickness of 0.1 µm to 100 µm or 0.1 to 50 µm.

[0206] Technical Solution 4. The dehumidification system according to any of the foregoing solutions, wherein the membrane separator comprises a porous polymer membrane; and a selectively permeable material, wherein the selectively permeable material has higher permeability to water vapor than to nitrogen and oxygen.

[0207] Technical Solution 5. The dehumidification system according to Solution 4, wherein the porous polymer membrane is an ePP, ePE or ePTFE membrane.

[0208] Technical Solution 6. The dehumidification system according to Solution 4 or 5, wherein the porous polymer membrane is impregnated with the selectively permeable material, which penetrates at least a portion of the thickness of the porous polymer membrane to form a composite membrane.

[0209] Technical Solution 7. The dehumidification system according to Solution 6, wherein the membrane separator comprises two or more such composite membranes; Each composite membrane is a partially impregnated composite membrane, and includes a coating of the selectively permeable material on the coated surface; The opposite surfaces of the membrane are exposed surfaces free of the selectively permeable material; and The first and second sides of the membrane-like separator are defined by the exposed surfaces of the two partially impregnated composite membranes.

[0210] Technical Solution 8. The dehumidification system according to any one of Solutions 4 to 7, wherein the selectively permeable material comprises materials selected from: silicone resin materials, polyurethane materials, ionomer materials, polyvinyl alcohol materials, polyamide materials, and polyimide materials.

[0211] Technical Solution 9. The dehumidification system according to any one of Schemes 4 to 8, wherein the porous polymer membrane has a porosity of 40%-95%.

[0212] Technical Solution 10. The dehumidification system according to any of the foregoing solutions, wherein the membrane separation unit comprises: case; The membrane-like separator is sealed within the housing around its perimeter; and the membrane-like separator comprises a porous polymer membrane and a selectively permeable material; The housing at least partially defines the first flow path and the second flow path; as well as The housing includes a support arrangement that directly abuts against a first or second surface of the membrane separator, the support structure being configured to mechanically support the membrane separator and define at least a portion of a corresponding first or second flow path.

[0213] Technical Solution 11. The dehumidification system according to Solution 10, wherein the open area of ​​the membrane separator is greater than about 50% of the total area of ​​the second surface.

[0214] Technical Solution 12. The dehumidification system according to Solution 10 or 11, wherein the support arrangement includes a shaped support structure having a plurality of support structure portions and a plurality of recessed structure portions.

[0215] Technical Solution 13. The dehumidification system according to Solution 12, wherein the supporting structure includes a plurality of elongated ribs, and the recessed structure includes elongated channels between the ribs.

[0216] Technical Solution 14. A dehumidification system according to any one of Solutions 10 to 13: The housing includes a frame having a perimeter portion and a wall portion, which together define a recess; The membrane-like separator is placed in the recess or covers the recess and seals to the periphery; and The perimeter portion defines a portion of the first flow path and / or the second flow path; one or more first orifices or channels extending through the perimeter portion, the first orifices or channels defining a portion of the first flow path; and / or one or more second channels or orifices extending through the perimeter portion, the second orifices or channels defining a portion of the second flow path.

[0217] Technical Solution 15. The dehumidification system according to Solution 14, wherein the housing is a sandwich structure, formed by a first housing portion and a second housing portion sandwiched together via corresponding first and second perimeter portions, the first and second perimeter portions jointly defining the perimeter portion of the housing, wherein the perimeter of the membrane separator is sandwiched between the first housing portion and the second housing portion and sealed.

[0218] The systems disclosed herein with respect to any aspect or embodiment may include multiple membrane separation units, each configured to separate different gases using a different selectively permeable material. In practice, a given membrane separation unit may include more than one type of membrane separator or encapsulation as disclosed herein, each using a different selectively permeable material. For example, a first membrane separator may be suitable for the selective permeation of water vapor, while a second membrane separator may be suitable for the selective permeation of another substance such as CO2.

[0219] In this document, the term "feed gas" refers to the gas that flows into a first flow path and contacts a first side of a membrane separator during gas separation. The feed gas includes one or more first substances and one or more second substances. When a membrane separator is used in a gas separation process, it is desirable to remove some or all of the one or more first substances.

[0220] The term "permeate gas" as used herein refers to the gas that has come into contact with the first side of the membrane separator and flowed out of the first flow path during the gas separation process. Compared to the feed gas, the permeate gas has a lower molar percentage of one or more first substances relative to the molar percentage of one or more second substances.

[0221] The term "purge gas" as used herein refers to the gas that flows into and contacts the second side of the membrane separator during gas separation. Under the conditions used for gas separation, the purge gas has a lower partial pressure of at least one first substance than the feed gas. The purge gas may have a higher, the same, or a lower molar percentage of at least one first substance than the feed gas, depending on the absolute pressure conditions of the first and second sides of the membrane separator during a particular gas separation process. The purge gas may originate from the same source (e.g., a vehicle compartment) or be a portion of the feed gas, wherein the lower partial pressure of at least one first substance is achieved by reducing the absolute pressure in the second flow path.

[0222] The term "permeate gas" as used herein refers to the gas that flows out of a second flow path (e.g., by applying a vacuum to it) during a gas separation process. Permeate gas includes permeate, and therefore comprises a proportion of at least one substance that has permeated through the membrane separator. Permeate gas may additionally include a proportion of at least one second substance that has permeated through the membrane separator and / or components of the purge gas. When using a purge gas, the permeate gas will additionally include substances present in the purge gas.

[0223] The term permeate in this document refers to the substance that has permeated through the membrane separator during the gas separation process (including at least the proportion of one or more first substances that have permeated through the membrane separator).

[0224] In this article, the term purging gas refers to a portion of the residual gas used to form the purging gas, optionally mixed with the intake gas.

[0225] The term "intake gas" as used herein refers to the gas introduced into the gas separation process to form or constitute the purge gas. The intake gas may include a portion of one or more first substances and / or one or more second substances. Depending on the absolute pressure conditions, the intake gas may have a lower partial pressure of one or more first substances than the feed gas. The purge gas stream can be used to provide a lower partial pressure (typically also a molar percentage) of at least one first substance in the purge gas compared to the intake gas. The intake gas can be a purge gas stream.

[0226] The various optional or alternative features discussed with respect to each of the above-disclosed aspects correspond to optional or alternative features disclosed with respect to any other aspect. In particular, when a product structure or element is disclosed in the context of one aspect, it is contemplated that any feature or option disclosed with respect to that structure or element is interchangeable with the same structure or element disclosed with respect to any other aspect. Similarly, optional or alternative steps of the aspects of the methods disclosed herein are contemplated in relation to any other aspect of the methods disclosed herein.

[0227] Unless otherwise stated, the term "comprising" as used herein to describe a product or method that includes one or more subsequent features means that the product or method includes, or may consist of or substantially consist of, the one or more subsequent features in addition to other features. Attached Figure Description

[0228] A non-limiting illustrative example will now be described with reference to the following figures, in which: Figure 1 This illustrates the conventional prior art barriers used for membrane gas separation; Figures 2(a)-2(c) show schematic cross-sectional views of the composite membrane and membrane-like separator; Figure 3 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of the package; Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an existing technology package; Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the encapsulation according to the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another encapsulation according to the present invention; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the housing portion of the encapsulation component according to the present invention; Figure 8 (a) is a perspective view of the housing portion of the encapsulation according to the present invention; Figure 8 (b) is a perspective view of the housing portion of the partially assembled encapsulated component; Figure 9 (a) and (b) show a perspective view and a detailed view of another housing portion according to the invention; Figure 10 (a) and (b) show a perspective view and a detailed view of yet another housing portion according to the invention; Figure 11 (a) and (b) show perspective views of the end shell portion of the box; Figure 11 (c) A perspective view of the middle shell portion of the box is shown; Figure 11 (d) shows Figure 11 (c) is a sectional perspective view of the intermediate shell portion; Figure 11 (e) shows a close-up perspective cross-sectional view of the intermediate housing portion with membrane-like separators; Figure 12 (a) and (b) show cross-sectional views of the alternative support structure for the intermediate shell section; Figure 13 A three-dimensional view of the box is shown; Figure 14(a) shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the intermediate housing portion, and Figure 14(b) shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the box having an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. Figure 15 (a) shows a perspective view of another intermediate shell section; Figure 15 (b) shows a sectional perspective view of the intermediate shell portion; Figure 15 (c) A sectional side view of the intermediate housing portion is shown; Figure 16 (a) is an exploded view of the test fixture; Figure 16 (b) is an image of a box connected to a pair of inlet and outlet manifolds; Figure 16 (c) is an image of another box connected to the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a test apparatus for evaluating exemplary test package packages V1-V4 and C5 / V6, V7 and V8 boxes; Figure 18 The moisture removal efficiency data of test package seals V1-V4 under different operating conditions listed in Table 1 are shown; Figure 19 It shows the way Figure 17 When testing the device, the relative humidity drop across the package seal V4 was used as data as a function of air velocity; Figure 20 The data on the water removal efficiency of the test membrane under different applied vacuum pressures are shown. Figure 21 The data show the water removal efficiency of the test membrane under two different feed gas flow rates as a function of different applied vacuum pressures; Figure 22 The data on the water removal efficiency of the test membrane under different applied vacuum pressures are shown, and the results with and without nonwoven support are compared. Figures 23-25 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating mode of a vehicle ventilation system that utilizes membrane dehumidification. Figure 26 The simulation shows the change of dew point in the carriage over time with and without dehumidification. Figure 27 Another simulation shows the change of dew point in the carriage over time with and without dehumidification. Figure 28 An example calculation of a vehicle ventilation system including a membrane dehumidification unit using external air purging is shown, with exemplary flow rates and external air conditions provided; Figure 29 Data on the moisture removal efficiency of a test kit under a series of operating conditions are shown. Figure 30 Data on the moisture removal efficiency of another test kit under a range of operating conditions are shown. Figure 31Data on the moisture removal efficiency of yet another test kit under a range of operating conditions are shown. Figure 32 The moisture removal efficiency of the three test kits under comparable test conditions is shown. Figure 33 Data on the moisture removal efficiency of a test box under different feed rates and humidity conditions using cold air purging (-20°C) are shown. Figure 34 The performance of the box is shown at ambient temperature (22°C) and different humidity levels. Detailed Implementation

[0229] Figure 2(a) shows a composite membrane 10 for use in gas separation. This composite membrane can be used alone or together with other composite membranes bonded or laminated thereto as a membrane separator in the gas separation method and apparatus according to the invention.

[0230] The composite membrane 10 is formed of a porous polymer membrane 12, such as expanded polyethylene (ePE) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane, with a porosity of approximately 40% or up to 90% in the example embodiments—depending on the selected expansion conditions. Expanded membranes with thicknesses between 0.1 µm and approximately 20 µm have been tested. As disclosed herein, alternative polymers may be used.

[0231] The porous membrane 12 is impregnated with a selectively permeable material 14, such as polyurethane. The selectively permeable material has a greater permeability to one or more first substances, such as water vapor and / or carbon dioxide, than to one or more second substances, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide. The permeability of a material, such as silicone or polyurethane, may depend on the dipole moment or quadrupole moment of the gaseous substance, such that a material with high permeability to one substance, such as water vapor, may also be associated with a material with relatively high permeability to another substance, such as carbon dioxide.

[0232] As disclosed herein, alternative materials may be used, such as those with selective permeability to VOCs. The composite membrane 10 is impregnated with a selectively permeable material that extends across the entire thickness of the composite membrane.

[0233] Various impregnation methods can be used, as disclosed above. However, in this example, the expansion membrane 12 is wetted with a solution or suspension of the polyurethane selectively permeable material 14, thereby substantially filling the pores of the expansion membrane 12.

[0234] The composite membrane 10 has a first side 16 and a second side 18, and the material of the porous membrane 12 and the selectively permeable material 14 provide a continuous barrier between the first and second sides 16, 18, thus inheriting the selective permeability characteristics of the selectively permeable material by the composite membrane. Conversely, the expanded porous membrane 12 acts as a support, providing mechanical support for the selectively permeable material 14.

[0235] The surface porosity of membrane 12 is relatively high (at least 40% and up to 90% in the example embodiment), which corresponds to the available proportion of the first and second surfaces of the selectively permeable material 14. In contrast, the porosity of known gas separation barriers is approximately 20%. Furthermore, the expanded porous membrane 12 effectively replaces existing technology barriers (e.g., Figure 1 The porous support (shown) possesses mechanical properties (especially tensile strength), eliminating the need for a protective nonwoven layer. Therefore, the composite membrane provides a low permeation path (through the thickness of the composite membrane 10) and eliminates the need for a protective nonwoven layer. Figure 1 The porous support 3 and the nonwoven protective layer 4 shown are conventionally applied diffusion barriers.

[0236] Figure 2(b) shows a partially impregnated composite membrane 20, which is impregnated with a selectively permeable material 14 through a portion of the thickness of a porous membrane 12. The composite membrane 20 has an exposed surface 18 free of any selectively permeable material 14, and an opposing coated surface 16 with a thin coating of the selectively permeable material 14. A region 17 adjacent to surface 16 that extends through the thickness of the membrane 12 is impregnated, while a region 19 adjacent to surface 18 that extends through the thickness of the membrane 12 is not impregnated.

[0237] A partially impregnated membrane 20 can be formed by applying a selectively permeable material 14 from one side of the porous membrane 12, for example, by spraying or other coating methods to wet the membrane 12 from one side. In some examples, a thin film of a flowable selectively permeable material is placed against one surface of the porous membrane 12 and allowed to flow into the pores of the membrane 12 by pressure and temperature to form a partially impregnated membrane 20.

[0238] Figure 2(c) shows a membrane-like separator 30 formed by two partially impregnated membranes 20a and 20b, with exposed surfaces 14a and 14b defining a first surface 32 and a second surface 34 on the exterior of the membrane-like separator 30. Corresponding porous polymer membranes 12a and 12b are bonded together by a selectively permeable material 14 coated on surfaces 16a and 16b. Having exposed outer surfaces 32 and 34 makes the membrane-like separator 30 easy to handle, for example, when constructing encapsulations as disclosed herein.

[0239] In membrane gas separation systems, membrane barriers are conventionally installed within an encapsulation to define a first flow path communicating with a first side of the barrier and a second flow path communicating with a second side of the barrier. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the encapsulation 100 may include a housing 110 configured to support a membrane-like separator according to the invention within an internal cavity. As further disclosed below, the membrane-like separator seals to the housing around its perimeter, thereby separating a first flow path and a second flow path. The housing 110 has a perimeter portion 112 and a wall portion 114. Orifices or channels 116, 118 extend through the wall portion, extending into the first and second flow paths.

[0240] As discussed further below, orifices or channels 116, 118 may be connected to corresponding parts of a gas separation system, such as a vehicle ventilation system.

[0241] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view through the thickness of a prior art encapsulation 101 is shown, having a wall portion 114 of the housing and a cavity 120 therein. Within the cavity 120 are gas-separating membrane separators 1a and 1b, typically as referenced above. Figure 1 Each separator has a gas separation membrane or thin film formed of selectively permeable material 2, a porous support 3, and a nonwoven layer 4 to provide mechanical protection for separators 1a and 1b, preventing forces applied between the barrier and the mechanical support. Each feature of the respective separators 1a and 1b is described in... Figure 4 The corresponding markings are "a" and "b". Each separator 1a, 1b has a first surface 14a, 14b and an opposite second surface 16a, 16b.

[0242] The cavity 120 also contains mesh support members 130a, 130b, and 132. Mesh support member 132 abuts against the first surfaces 14a and 14b of the barriers 1a and 1b. Mesh support members 130a and 130b abut against the second surfaces 16a and 16b.

[0243] The mesh support member 132 acts as a spacer between the first surfaces 14a and 14b of the separators 1a and 1b, and the space between the separators forms a first flow path 140 that communicates with a set of orifices 118. The mesh support members 130a and 130b act as spacers between the second surfaces 16a and 16b of the separators 1a and 1b and the housing, defining second flow paths 142a and 142b that communicate with the corresponding first surfaces 16a and 16b of the separators and another set of orifices 116.

[0244] As disclosed herein, the selectively permeable materials 2a and 2b exhibit higher permeability to one or more first substances than to one or more second substances. In applications such as membrane gas separation for dehumidification, one or more first substances (e.g., water vapor) permeate through barriers 1a and 1b due to the partial pressure difference of one or more first substances between the first flow path 140 and the second flow paths 142a and 142b.

[0245] Typically, to generate or increase a partial pressure difference, the absolute pressure in the first flow path 140 is increased by pressurizing the feed gas (e.g., air), and / or the pressure in the second flow paths 142a, 142b is reduced by applying a vacuum. Therefore, when an absolute pressure difference is applied between the first surfaces 14a, 14b and the second surfaces 16a, 16b of the membrane separators 1a, 1b, a force is applied between the separators and the support meshes 130a, 130b. Protective nonwoven layers 4a, 4b are required to prevent damage to the porous support elements 3a, 3b or the selectively permeable membranes 2a, 2b. Due to the thickness and porosity of these layers, significant obstacles are imposed on the diffusion of gaseous substances into and from the selectively permeable materials 2a, 2b, which in turn limits the efficiency of the gas separation system.

[0246] Note that, although Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows that the mesh supports 130a, 130b, and 132 have similar thicknesses, but it should be understood that different thicknesses can be used in practice. The meshes 130a and 130b located on the lower pressure-dividing side abutting the second surfaces 16a and 16b are typically thinner than the mesh 132 (or an alternative spacer structure) located on the higher pressure-dividing side abutting the first surfaces 14a and 14b. In some embodiments (whether prior art encapsulations or encapsulations according to the invention), the thickness of the first flow path can be, for example, as high as 1 to 1.5 mm.

[0247] Figure 5 A corresponding cross-sectional view of the encapsulation according to the invention is shown. The encapsulation 102 is similarly mounted in a cavity 120 between the wall portions 114 of the housing. Membrane spacers formed by partially impregnated composite membranes 30a, 30b are positioned in the cavity and seal around its perimeter. Mesh supports 132 (an example of a support arrangement) directly abut against the first surfaces 14a, 14b. Mesh supports 130a, 130b directly abut against the second surfaces 16a, 16b. The encapsulation lacks any protective layer between the mesh supports 130a, 130b, 132 and the membrane spacers 30a, 30b. Furthermore, and as discussed herein, a higher permeability coefficient can be achieved due to a shorter diffusion path to the selectively permeable material, a thinner overall membrane spacer construction, and, in some embodiments, a higher porosity of the underlying expanded porous membrane.

[0248] Although partially impregnated composite membranes 30a and 30b are shown, other impregnated membranes may also be used, as well as other membrane-like separators with porous polymer membranes disclosed herein.

[0249] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the encapsulation 103 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5 Features common to all embodiments are referred to by the same reference numerals. Instead of the mesh supports 130a and 130b of the encapsulation 101, the support arrangement of the encapsulation 103 is provided by elongated ribs 134 (support structures) extending from the inside of the wall portion 114. Channels 136 are defined between the ribs 134. Each rib has a flat support surface 137 that smoothly transitions (via a curved region 138) to the transverse surface 139 of the channel 136.

[0250] Although ribs and channels are used in the encapsulation 103, in alternative embodiments (not shown), protrusions of other geometries may be used to define the flow paths therebetween. Furthermore, although the support arrangement of the encapsulation 103 is co-molded with the housing and forms part of and extends from the wall portion 114, in alternative embodiments, a support arrangement including molded or machined support structures may be provided in the cavity 120.

[0251] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, one or more mesh layers 132 are optional. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), one or more spacers are provided in the first flow path instead of mesh layers, or alternatively, the first flow path has no spacers or mesh.

[0252] Additional requirements for the encapsulation include: effective distribution of vacuum across the entire surface area of ​​the membrane, effective connection between the vacuum and the encapsulation to avoid unnecessary pressure drop at the connection side, and effective sealing between the membrane and the frame to prevent leakage that could allow air to enter the vacuum side and reduce performance.

[0253] Figure 7 A perspective view of a housing portion 150 of an encapsulation according to the invention is shown. The housing portion or frame 150 has a perimeter portion 152 and a wall portion 154. An encapsulation is formed by clamping the upper surfaces 156 (in the orientation shown in the figure) of the perimeter portions of two such housing portions 150 together, defining a cavity between the wall portion 154 and the perimeter portion 152, and such that the perimeter portions 152 of each of the two housing portions 150 collectively define a perimeter portion 112 of the encapsulation.

[0254] The wall portion 154 is recessed relative to the perimeter portion 152. In order to form an encapsulation, a mesh (e.g., the mesh supports 130, 132 discussed above) is embedded in the recess of each housing portion, covered by a membrane spacer as disclosed herein, spacers (e.g., additional mesh) are positioned on the membrane spacers of one or both housing portions, and the housing portions are sealed to each other so as to form a perimeter seal between the housing portions and around the perimeter of the membrane spacers.

[0255] The perimeter portion 152 has a series of recesses 158a, 158b on its sides 152a and end 152b from its top 156. When the housing portions 150 are clamped together, these recesses define channels forming portions of respective first and second flow paths. As shown in the enlarged view of region A, the housing portion 150 may also include channels 162, 164 and a port 160, which in use may be an inlet port for distributing feed gas or purge gas, an outlet port for facilitating the flow of residual gas or permeate gas, and / or a port for distributing vacuum, as appropriate.

[0256] Figure 8 (a) shows an alternative housing portion 250. Features common to housing portion 150 are represented by the same reference numerals, increased by 100. In the assembled enclosure, a recess 262 on the upper surface 256 of the perimeter portion 252 forms an orifice or channel communicating with the first flow path. Figure 8 As shown in the partial assembly view in (b), when the mesh 130 and the membrane separator 30 are placed in the recess, the molded polypropylene separator 264 is positioned on the upper 256 and defines a portion of a second flow path communicating with the port 260.

[0257] Figure 9 (a) and (b) show a perspective view and a perspective close-up view of another housing portion 350. Figure 9 The end portion marked B in (a) is Figure 9 (b) is omitted in the close-up view so that the configuration of the support structure can be seen more clearly.

[0258] A ramp recess 362 is defined between a raised edge structure 363 and a transverse ridge 364 on the side portion 352 of the housing portion 350. The recess 362 is arranged along the edge portion 352 of the housing portion 350 and extends to the upper support surface 356. A portion (one of every three in the illustrated embodiment) of the edge structure extends to form a transverse ridge 364. Each transverse ridge 364 extends to an edge portion on an opposing edge of the housing portion 350. The side portion 352, including the ramp recess 362, the raised edge structure 363, and the transverse ridge 364, is formed by a single component 370.

[0259] Extending from and co-molded with wall portion 354 is a support structure, generally indicated as 330. This support structure includes support structural portions in the form of elongated ribs 334, defining channels 336, generally as described above. Figure 6 As described above, when the encapsulation is assembled and component 370 is placed on the wall portion, channel 336 extends below transverse ridge 364.

[0260] The upper support surface 356 is coplanar with the upper (oriented in the figure) support surface of the rib 334, but is recessed relative to the upper surface 365 of the side portion (where the area is shown in section for illustrative purposes).

[0261] When the membrane separator is positioned across the support structure 330 and across the support surface 356, a portion of the first flow path is defined between the first surface of the membrane separator and the support structure 330.

[0262] Two such shell sections can be clamped together, and their surfaces 365 are bonded to each other. This defines a portion of a second flow path between the ramp indentation, the remainder of the support surface 356, and the second surface of the corresponding membrane-like spacer (not shown). Alternatively, if the opposing membranes are bonded to the support structure 330, the spacer between them can be omitted.

[0263] Figure 10 (a) shows another embodiment of the housing portion. Figure 10 (b) shows a detailed view, again omitting end portion B. (and) Figure 9 The common features in the embodiments use the same reference numerals, with 100 added.

[0264] The housing portion 450 has a wall portion 454 that is connected to the assembly 470, which has a peripheral portion 452 having a top surface 465. A ramp recess 462 is defined between raised edge structures 463 along the side portion 452a of the peripheral portion 452. The recess 462 extends to the upper support surface 456.

[0265] Extending from and co-molded with wall portion 454 is a support structure, generally indicated as 430. This support structure includes support structural portions in the form of elongated ribs 434, defining channels 436, generally as described above. Figure 6 As described above, when the wall portion 454 and component 470 are assembled together as shown, the channel 436 extends below the end portion 452b.

[0266] The upper support surface 456 is coplanar with the upper (oriented in the figure) support surface of the rib 434, but is recessed relative to the upper surface 365.

[0267] Similar to Figure 9In one embodiment, when the membrane separator is positioned across the support structure 430 and partially across each support surface 456, the channel 436 between the first surface of the membrane separator and the support structure 430 defines a portion of a first flow path, and the channel further extends to communicate with the port 460.

[0268] Two such housing portions can be clamped together, and their surfaces 465 are bonded together. Thus, a portion of a second flow path is defined between the ramp recess 462, the remainder of the support surface 356, and the second surface of the corresponding membrane-like separator (not shown).

[0269] Figure 11 (a) and (b) show perspective views of the end housing portion of a box according to one embodiment. The upper end portion 550u and the lower end portion 550l are constructed in a manner substantially the same as the housing portion 450 described above.

[0270] Each end housing portion has a corresponding perimeter portion 552u, 552l and wall portion 554u, 554l. Along the side of the perimeter portion, a ramp recess 562u, 562l is defined between the raised edge structure portions 563u, 563l.

[0271] Extending from and co-molded with wall portions 554u and 554l are support structures, generally designated as 530u and 530l. Each support structure includes a support structure portion in the form of elongated ribs, defining channels therebetween, generally as referenced above. Figure 6 The passage extends below the ends of the wall portions 552a and 552b, reaching the manifold spaces 580u and 580l. The manifold space 580u of the end housing portion 550u is provided with an inlet port and an outlet port 560 (in the illustrated embodiment, an inlet port for purge gas and an outlet port for permeate).

[0272] When the perimeter portions 552u and 552l are assembled together, they can form an enclosure. However, the end housing portions 550u and 550l are intended to form part of a box, as discussed further below.

[0273] Figure 11 (c) shows a perspective view of the intermediate housing portion 550i. A perspective view of the cross-section of the intermediate housing portion 550i through C is shown. Figure 11 As shown in (d), and a close-up view of its region D in Figure 11 As shown in (e).

[0274] The intermediate shell portion 550i is double-sided, and the upper side (visible in the orientation shown in the figure) is the same as the lower side (not shown). Each side has a perimeter portion 552i and shares a common wall portion 554i, which defines a channel 536i and ribs 534i (support structure) therebetween and on each of its sides.

[0275] The channel extends below the ends of the wall portions 552ai and 552bi to the manifold space 580i. The manifold space 580i located at one end of the housing portion 550i is provided with an optional inlet port 560 (in the illustrated embodiment, an inlet for purge gas).

[0276] On both sides of the intermediate housing portion 550i, along the side of the perimeter portion, a ramp recess 562i is defined between the raised edge structure portions 563i.

[0277] like Figure 11 As shown in (e) with respect to the intermediate housing portion 550i, the membrane separator 501 disclosed herein can be positioned against the support structure (rib 534i) and sealed around the perimeter portion 552i.

[0278] When the perimeter portion 552i is connected to the perimeter portion of another intermediate housing portion 550i or the perimeter portion 552u, 552l of the end housing portions 550u, 550l, an encapsulation can be formed between such adjacent housing portions 550u, 550i, 550l.

[0279] The width, depth, and profile of the channels can be selected according to specific purposes. A box containing multiple encapsulated components (referred to as version 5 or "V5") has been tested, featuring channels with a depth of 2.6 mm and a circular profile, such as... Figure 12 As shown in (a), with a width of 2.0 mm and a rib width of 0.5 mm, the resulting thickness is 9.76 mm. Boxes comprising multiple encapsulations (designated "V6" and "V7") with channels of 2.1 mm depth and flat profiles have been tested, as shown... Figure 12 As shown in (b), with a width of 2.0 mm and a rib width of 0.5 mm, the resulting thickness is 7.0 mm. A box comprising multiple encapsulations (referred to as "V8") with a channel depth of 1.1 mm and a flat profile has been tested, as shown... Figure 12 As shown in (b), the width is 2.0 mm, the rib width is 0.5 mm, and the resulting thickness is 4.1 mm.

[0280] Figure 12 (a) shows a cross-sectional view of the V5 intermediate housing portion 550i, which has a channel 536i with a rounded bottom 539i. Figure 12(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the V5 intermediate housing portion 550i, which has a channel 536i with a flat bottom 539i that smoothly transitions to the side 538i of the rib 534i.

[0281] Figure 13 A box 590 is shown, formed by end housing portions 550u and 550l and nine intermediate housing portions 550i, with membrane-like separators between them. In the illustrated embodiment, housing portions having each of two channel depths are used to assemble the box 590; the end plate and the adjacent intermediate housing portions 550i with ports 560 are configured as V5, while the remaining intermediate housing portions 550i are configured as a thinner V6.

[0282] Manifold spaces 580u, 580i, and 580l collectively define a purge gas manifold and a permeate gas manifold (not visible in the figure) that communicate with a second flow path leading to the corresponding second surface of the membrane separator. Opening 566 (defined between ramps 562u, 562i, and 562l and edge structures 563u, 563i, and 563l) serves as the inlet and outlet of the first flow path. Box 590 has a cross-flow arrangement of the first and second flow paths.

[0283] In use, and as referenced Figure 16 (b) As stated, the feed gas manifold and the residual gas manifold can be connected to the housing above the opening 566.

[0284] Figure 14(a) shows the alternative intermediate housing portion 650i. Features common to housing portion 550i are represented by the same reference numerals, increased by 100. Each face has a perimeter portion 652i and shares a common wall portion 654i, which defines channels and ribs therebetween and on each of its faces.

[0285] The channel extends below the ends of the wall portions 652ai and 652bi to the inlet / outlet 680i that leads to the first or second flow path during use.

[0286] On both sides of the intermediate housing portion 650i, along the side of the perimeter portion, a ramp recess 662i is defined between the raised edge structure portions 663i.

[0287] Figure 14(b) shows a housing 690 having an end plate 650u, which is provided with an outer lip 602 for connecting a manifold to the housing 690 via a through hole 604 using bolts (not shown). Nine intermediate housing portions 650i are stacked between the end plates 650u. The inlet and outlet 680i are covered by an inlet (purge gas) manifold 682 and an outlet (permeate gas) manifold 684, which have corresponding inlet ports 662 and outlet ports 664, respectively used for purge gas and permeate gas (i.e., in communication with the second flow path) in the illustrated embodiment. It should be understood that the manifolds can also alternatively be used for feed gas and permeate gas as well as the first flow path. The remaining sides of the housing of the housing 690 include openings (inlet / outlet) 666 leading to the first flow path of each encapsulation in the housing.

[0288] Figure 15 (a)-(c) show another intermediate housing portion 750i. Features common to intermediate housing portion 650i are represented by the same reference numerals, increased by 100.

[0289] Similarly, each face has a perimeter portion 752i and shares a common wall portion 754i, which defines channels and ribs therebetween and on each of its faces.

[0290] The channel extends below the ends of the wall portions 752ai and 752bi to the inlet / outlet 780i that leads to the first or second flow path during use.

[0291] On both sides of the intermediate housing portion 650i, along the side of the perimeter portion, recesses 762i are defined between the raised edge structures 763i. When assembled into a box in a manner generally as discussed above, these recesses will collectively define an inlet / outlet leading to the other of the first or second flow paths.

[0292] The difference in the middle housing section of the 750i is that the wall section of the 754i is corrugated, as... Figure 15 (b) Sectional view through E and Figure 15 (c) shows the end cross-sectional view. The corrugated peaks 734ai and 734bi serve to support the structural parts and define the channels 736ai and 736bi therebetween. The corrugated peak 734ai on one side of the wall portion 754i corresponds to the bottom of the channel 763bi on the other side.

[0293] The ripples can be any suitable shape, with round or square peaks and valleys. Other configurations can be used, such as circular (e.g., sinusoidal) ripples or "square wave" cross-sectional profiles, optionally with smooth transitions between flat surfaces.

[0294] In the illustrated embodiment, the peak-to-peak spacing of the ripples—defining the width of channels 736ai and 736bi—is 3.0 mm. The peak-to-valley thickness, i.e., the depth of channels 736ai and 736bi, is 1.8 mm, and the total thickness is 4.0 mm.

[0295] Experiment

[0296] Experiments were conducted to demonstrate the removal of moisture from airflow, using equipment installed in, for example... Figure 16 Test package seals V1-V4 in the test apparatus shown in (a) and 17. Experiments were also conducted to demonstrate the removal of moisture from the airflow using box 590 (formed from a hybrid housing portion having the V5 and V6 channels and ribs as disclosed above) and box 690 (formed from a housing portion having the V7 channel and ribs).

[0297] The testing equipment is located in a temperature and humidity controlled room (e.g., 22°C, 50%RH) or placed in a large environmental chamber (to facilitate testing under a range of controlled temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions).

[0298] The test apparatus 2000 consists of an adjustable blower / fan 2002, a conduit 2004 located between the inlet 2006 and the encapsulation section 2008, and a conduit 2010 located between the fan 2002 at the encapsulation section or box and the outlet 2012.

[0299] The test encapsulation is installed in the encapsulation section. The feed gas inlet 1004 is connected to pipe 2004, and the residual outlet 1006 is connected to pipe 2010. The vacuum port 1008 is connected to vacuum line 2014 and vacuum pump 2016.

[0300] When the test chamber is in operation, the feed gas is delivered via pipe 2004 to the inlet of the feed gas manifold 586, and the residual gas is delivered via the residual manifold (in... Figure 16 (b) The outlet (not visible in the image) is transported through pipe 2010.

[0301] Box 590 is connected to the purge gas via inlet and outlet ports 560. Box 690 is connected to the purge gas via manifolds 662 and 664.

[0302] The feed gas flow is monitored using an anemometer in inlet pipe 2004, and the temperature and relative humidity of the feed air and residual air are also monitored. Pressure is measured on either side of the membrane using pressure sensor 2018.

[0303] The test setup generates an airflow of 0–45 m³ / hr.

[0304] Porosity

[0305] Porosity was determined according to the method disclosed in US2021 / 0332202, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0306] In short, porosity is expressed as a percentage in this article; the porosity of the membrane is determined by subtracting the quotient of the average density of the porous polymer membrane and the bulk density of the polymer from 1, and then multiplying that value by 100.

[0307] For the purposes of this calculation, the bulk densities of PTFE and polyethylene are taken as 2.2 g / cm³ and 0.94 g / cm³, respectively.

[0308] The density of a membrane sample is calculated by dividing the sample's mass / area by its thickness.

[0309] Permeability

[0310] The water permeability coefficient of a membrane separator can be determined by using standard test methods (e.g., ASTM E96) to determine the water vapor transmission rate under specified conditions and converting that rate to gas permeability units (GPUs) using appropriate unit conversion.

[0311] For high moisture transfer rates, it can be used Figure 16 The apparatus in (a) is used to determine the water permeability coefficient of the membrane-separated sample. The permeability coefficient is related to the total water transfer rate, and the formula is MTR = P. A DC(log), where MTR is the total water transfer rate, P is the permeability coefficient, A is the effective surface area of ​​the membrane separator, and DC(log) is the logarithmic average concentration driving force between the inlet and outlet of the test unit.

[0312] The total water transfer rate is determined by the concentration change between the inlet and outlet, using the formula MTR = Q. (C_) 入 –C_ 出 ), where Q is the total flow rate on the feed side, and C_ 入 It is the inlet moisture concentration, C_ 出 This refers to the outlet moisture concentration. Therefore, the permeability coefficient is calculated using P=Q / A. (C_) 入 –C_ 出 The value of ) / DC(log) can be determined and converted to gas permeation units (GPUs) by appropriate unit conversion and taking into account the boundary resistance in the air channel.

[0313] 1 GPU equals 1.0E-06 cm³ (STP) / (cm² s cm Hg). Figure 16The equipment in (a) typically operates at a flow rate of 1.0 L / min, a temperature of 22°C, and a relative humidity of nearly 60%, which is controlled by setting the required RH by mixing a fully saturated airflow with a dry airflow.

[0314] Enclosure construction

[0315] Four test package packages, versions 1 through 4, were evaluated.

[0316] Version 1 and Version 2 of the encapsulation each consist of a plastic housing portion, a PBT mesh layer, and a coating film applied to the front and back of the PBT mesh using pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0317] A double mesh layer is placed between the membranes to form a vacuum channel.

[0318] Each mesh layer is 0.5mm thick, and the two mesh layers are installed at a 90-degree angle to each other to form a 1mm thick vacuum channel.

[0319] Version 1 used such as Figure 7 The shell portion shown.

[0320] Version 2 uses, for example Figure 8 The housing portion or frame shown in (a) and (b) features a split encapsulation design with a central separator between the two vacuum volumes. Each vacuum side has a double-layer mesh structure, resulting in a 1mm vacuum channel on each side (2mm in total). Version 2 encapsulation also features a more open vacuum distribution connection than Version 1.

[0321] Version 3 and version 4 packages do not include any web, and respectively use the following... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The shell portion shown.

[0322] Each package has a sandwich structure with foam pads in between.

[0323] Version 3 (V3) encapsulation features a membrane with 54% open vacuum channel area, engineered with elongated ribs and channels for membrane support. The channels are 1 mm deep. It also exhibits a more uniform vacuum distribution than versions 1 or 2.

[0324] Version 4 (V4) encapsulation achieves 80% membrane open area by using fewer but wider ribs with a depth of 0.5 mm. Vacuum distribution is similar to Version 3.

[0325] The box is as described above. Figure 11-1 The structure described in 4.

[0326] Box 590 (hereinafter referred to as "V5 / V6 box") includes an encapsulated version 5 end housing portion with inlet and outlet ports from the manifold, having a channel depth of 2.63 mm x width of 2 mm and a rib width of 0.5 mm. Nine intermediate housing portions are used, including two encapsulated version 5 intermediate housing portions, each with a total thickness of 9.76 mm, both with purge gas inlet ports; and seven encapsulated version 6 intermediate housing portions above and below, having a channel depth of 2.13 mm x width of 2 mm, a rib width of 0.5 mm, and a total thickness of 7 mm.

[0327] Based on the configuration described above for box 690, the box was manufactured using the housing portions of encapsulation version 7 and encapsulation version 8, respectively. Both the "V7 box" and the "V8 box" include end housing portions and nine stacked intermediate housing portions therebetween.

[0328] The V7 housing has a channel depth of 2.13mm and a width of 2mm, rib width of 0.5mm, and a total thickness of 7mm.

[0329] The V8 housing has a channel depth of 1.13mm x width of 2mm, rib width of 0.5mm, and a total thickness of 4.1mm.

[0330] Membrane

[0331] Porous polyethylene membranes are prepared in accordance with the teachings of US5248461, US4873034, US5051183 and US6566012 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0332] Membrane (1)

[0333] A base membrane with a porosity of 66% was coated with a hydrophilic polyurethane-based coating using Mayer rods and treated at 110 degrees Celsius. Partial impregnation membrane used in encapsulation version 1 ( Figure 2b It is a coated single-layer ePE with a thickness of approximately 12.5 micrometers and a polyurethane coating of 0.9 gsm. The resulting use... Figure 11 The moisture removal efficiency (RE) measured by the test fixture was 26% without purge gas, which translates to a permeability coefficient of 13,500 GPUs.

[0334] Membrane (2)

[0335] All other encapsulation versions V2 through V4 adopted a double-layer structure. Figure 2cThe composite membrane consists of two 9-micron-thick ePE layers with a porosity of 70%, sandwiched between a hydrophilic polyurethane coating. One layer is partially impregnated using the same process as described for a single-layer ePE membrane, and then the other identical layer is placed on top before drying. The resulting composite membrane has a thickness of 16 microns and a polyurethane coating thickness of 0.5 gsm. The resulting removal efficiency under purge-free gas conditions is 28%, which translates to a permeability of 15,000 GPUs.

[0336] Membrane (3)

[0337] Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) spacers are generally manufactured according to the teachings of US 3,953,566. The microporous ePTFE membrane is approximately 28 µm thick with a porosity of approximately 85%, and is gravure-coated with a 6.5 gsm hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymer mixture and then moisture-cured. The resulting partially impregnated composite membrane has a basis weight of 16 gsm. The resulting use... Figure 16 The moisture removal efficiency measured by the test fixture in (a) is 22% without purge gas, which is equivalent to the permeability coefficient of 10700 GPUs.

[0338] Membrane-like partition testing

[0339] Test fixtures are used to evaluate test membranes and barriers. Exploded view shown below. Figure 16 As shown in (a), the test fixture includes an upper clamp block 1000 and a lower clamp block 1002 bolted together and holding the test membrane M. The upper clamp includes a feed gas inlet 1004 and a permeate outlet 1006, and (not visible in the figure) has a profile on its underside to provide a first flow path communicating with the inlet and outlet 1004, 1006 during assembly of the test package. The lower clamp block includes a vacuum port 1008 and has a similar profile to provide a second flow path. The upper and lower clamp blocks 1000 and 1002 are bolted together and sealed around the interface using a suitable sealant.

[0340] Each membrane has an effective membrane area of ​​4 mm x 150 mm. The vacuum side of each membrane is supported by a PBT mesh (Delnet model NO2044, purchased from SWM International, Alphalitta, Georgia, USA). In some examples, the membrane is additionally supported between the mesh and the membrane by a nonwoven layer (Fiberweb, Evansville, Indiana, USA, model M2275) to simulate a conventional membrane structure.

[0341] The results are as follows Figures 20-22 As shown.

[0342] Results - V1-V4 enclosures

[0343] Each encapsulation version operates at a flow rate of 4.3 m³ / hr under four vacuum / purge gas conditions. At vacuum level 1, a vacuum is applied from one side of the encapsulation, with the opposite purge gas port closed. For vacuum levels 2-4, the opposite port valves are gradually opened to allow dilution of the vacuum passage with room air (22°C, 50% RH). Opening the purge gas valve port increases the flow rate and increases the vacuum pressure. Performance and vacuum level / purge gas setpoints are provided in Table 1 and... Figure 18 and 19 middle.

[0344] Table 1: Moisture removal efficiency data at 4.3 m³ / hr

[0345] Figure 18 The data summarized in the study indicate that the depth of the vacuum channel, the number of support ribs, and the vacuum distribution are crucial to the removal efficiency performance.

[0346] Figure 19 This demonstrates the strong impact of feed rate on the moisture removal efficiency performance of the version 4 package at vacuum level 3. Similar trends can be expected for other embodiments.

[0347] Figure 20 Demonstrated the use of Figure 16 The apparatus in (a) was used to compare the effects of purging with and without laboratory air purging on membrane (3) at five different pressure levels, with a feed flow rate of 1 L / min. Laboratory air purging was significantly effective at each test vacuum pressure.

[0348] Figure 21 The effect of feed flow rate on membrane (3) without air purging at different vacuum levels is shown. The data indicate that both feed flow rate and vacuum level significantly affect the membrane's removal performance.

[0349] Despite providing more mechanical support, it is used for generation Figure 22 The additional nonwoven layer in the middle membrane (1) data significantly reduced performance; as shown by the significant reduction in water removal efficiency under comparable conditions.

[0350] Vehicle ventilation system example operating modes

[0351] The membranes and encapsulations disclosed herein are intended for use in vehicle ventilation or HVAC systems. See below for reference. Figures 23-25 Describe the typical operating mode.

[0352] Winter operation

[0353] During air recirculation to avoid heating the cold outside air, a certain amount of moisture generated by passengers inside the carriage must be removed (e.g., a typical carriage volume is approximately 4 m³). The typical moisture generation rate for an adult passenger is approximately 70 g / h. This increased moisture increases the risk of fogging windows, thereby reducing the driver's visibility.

[0354] Conventional vapor compression systems or heat pumps cannot operate effectively at extremely low temperatures due to the risk of condensation freezing or the boiling point of the coolant used. Membrane dehumidification devices can be used to remove moisture from the cabin air in the recirculation flow. The larger the recirculation flow, the less fresh (and cold) air is used, resulting in energy savings due to the reduced heating load on the PTC heater, which would otherwise be necessary in situations where waste heat is unavailable, such as in electric vehicles (EVs).

[0355] Cold air has a very low moisture content. In order to remove moisture using membrane dehumidification equipment, Figure 23 The configuration shown will require very low pressure.

[0356] For example, at -20°C, the vapor pressure of water is only 0.13 kPa, and a vacuum pump must operate below this threshold to remove moisture using a membrane device. Nevertheless, in vehicle applications, especially electric vehicle applications, Figure 23 The system and operating mode shown represent a new and more efficient method for dehumidifying passenger compartment air in the absence of a waste heat source, particularly an internal combustion engine. Additional related operating modes are described in... Figure 25 This will be discussed below.

[0357] Figure 23 An alternative to the ultra-low vacuum mode is to utilize a purge flow with low humidity. The purge flow is typically part of the residual stream exiting the membrane module (also referred to herein as the dehumidification unit) and has a lower humidity than the inlet flow, such as... Figure 24 As shown. However, this mode is less than ideal in recirculation applications because the amount of scavenging air must be returned to the compartment along with fresh, cold air.

[0358] Another additional and novel operating mode for vehicle ventilation systems using membrane dehumidification, and compatible with the improved membranes and encapsulations disclosed herein, such as... Figure 25 As shown, very low humidity outside air can be used instead of the purge airflow, and in some modes, a vacuum can be applied to the second flow path simultaneously. Furthermore, the improved permeation rate and / or diffusion from the second side of the membrane barrier can reduce or eliminate the need for heated outside air (purge air). Therefore, all air in the recirculation flow is returned to the compartment without the overall system efficiency loss typically associated with purge airflow. Under certain operating conditions, combining outside air as purge air with a vacuum will result in the most efficient operation of the membrane equipment and process.

[0359] Optimizing the energy use of the system will involve a trade-off between the energy used, external air requirements, pressure drop across the equipment, and membrane area—depending on the specific operating conditions.

[0360] Generally speaking, the energy used by a ventilation system depends on the amount of vacuum used (if any), the amount of purge gas used, and the amount of air that permeates through the membrane.

[0361] Example calculations

[0362] (A) The following shows an example calculation of a vehicle ventilation system including a membrane desiccant unit, such as the flow rate and pressure drop through the desiccant membrane. The size of the membrane desiccant unit is limited by the available space in the vehicle and is estimated to be 200x200x100 mm in this example. The number of membrane encapsulations is determined by the desired feed-side pressure drop, estimated at 80 Pa, resulting in 100 encapsulations required at a recirculation rate of 5 m³ / min. Performance was calculated using the method described above, with a permeability coefficient of 14300 GPUs and no purge rate. Based on Figure 18 The energy required and coefficient of performance (COP) of the vacuum pump in the embodiment were estimated according to the method described by Claridge et al., International Journal of Refrigeration (Int. J. Refrig). 101 (2019), 211-217.

[0363] 1. Summer operation

[0364] During summer operation, the initial cooling phase, such as from 40°C and 40%RH, and steady-state operation at 22°C and 50%RH must be considered. In both cases, energy savings are achieved by calculating the required vacuum pump energy and effective COP.

[0365] cool down

[0366] Under conditions of 5 m³ / min, inlet temperature of 40°C, and 40% RH, the outlet humidity of the membrane dehumidification unit was calculated to be 25% RH. The moisture removal rate was 2300 g / hr, the vacuum pump required 650 W of energy, and the COP was 2.35.

[0367] steady state

[0368] Under conditions of 5 m³ / min, inlet temperature of 22°C, and 50% RH, the outlet humidity is 33% RH. The moisture removal rate is 990 g / hr, the vacuum pump requires 270 W of energy, and the COP is 2.47.

[0369] (RH = relative humidity, COP = coefficient of performance)

[0370] These values ​​are comparable to approximately 2-3 of the typical vehicle HVAC COP values.

[0371] 2. Winter operation

[0372] During winter operation, the initial preheating phase must be considered, such as from -10°C and 80%RH, and steady-state operation at 22°C and 50%RH. In both cases, energy savings are achieved by comparing the heat required to heat the outside air from -10°C to 30°C with the heat required to heat the recirculated flow from 22°C to 30°C, as well as the required vacuum pump energy.

[0373] preheating

[0374] Under conditions of 5 m³ / min, inlet temperature of -10°C and 80% RH, the outlet humidity is 60% RH. The moisture removal rate is 149 g / hr, the vacuum pump requires 49 W of energy, and the COP is 2.12. The heating energy required to heat the outside air to 30°C is 4.6 kW, while the energy required to heat the recirculated flow to 30°C is 0.9 kW.

[0375] steady state

[0376] Under conditions of 5 m³ / min, inlet temperature of 22°C, and 50% RH, the outlet humidity is 33% RH. The moisture removal rate is 990 g / hr, the vacuum pump requires 270 W of energy, and the COP is 2.47. The heating energy required to heat the outside air to 30°C is 4.6 kW, while the energy required to heat the recirculated flow to 30°C is 0.9 kW.

[0377] (B) Example calculations for maintaining humidity / dew point below a threshold to prevent window fogging.

[0378] based on Figures 23-25 The calculations for this example are based on the following conditions: the estimated volume of the carriage is 4 m³, assuming two passengers in the carriage, a moisture content of 140 g / hr, and a recirculation flow rate of 5 m³ / min. The membrane dehumidification unit measures 200 x 200 x 100 mm and has 100 encapsulations, resulting in a pressure drop of 80 Pa at a recirculation rate of 5 m³ / min.

[0379] The simple mass balance of the carriages yields the differential equation for the change of moisture content in the carriages over time: V_ 车厢 d / dtC_ 车厢 =Q_ 再循环 (C_) 再循环 –C_ 车厢 )+S_w Where V_ 车厢 It refers to the volume of the carriage, C_车厢 It refers to the moisture content of the carriage, C_ 再循环 It is the moisture content of the returned recirculated stream, Q_ 再循环 S_w is the recirculation rate, and S_w is the moisture production rate. The removal efficiency (RE) of a membrane dehumidification unit is defined as RE = 1 – (C_w - S_w) / S_w. 再循环 / C_ 车厢 Assuming a constant removal efficiency, the steady-state moisture content of the carriage can be determined by C_ 车厢 =S_w / Q_ 再循环 / RE is determined, which can be used to design a system for the desired moisture content of the carriage.

[0380] For winter operation, preventing window fogging is desirable, as fogging occurs when the dew point of the cabin air is higher than the window temperature. A typical example is illustrated by calculating the change in cabin air dew point over time under two conditions. The results of initial preheating of the vehicle starting at -10°C and 80%RH (dew point -12.8°C), for a removal efficiency of 25%, are shown... Figure 26 The membrane dehumidification unit can maintain the dew point at close to its initial value of -12.8°C.

[0381] After initial preheating, the air inside the vehicle warms up, for example, to +10°C, and the window temperature rises, for example, to -5°C. Starting from a dew point of -5°C (10°C, 35%RH), the membrane dehumidification unit can lower the dew point inside the vehicle to -12.8°C. Without dehumidification, the windows will fog up, as... Figure 27 As shown.

[0382] (C) Model calculation of performance and external air conditions

[0383] based on Figure 25 Implementation examples, Figure 28 The figure shows an example calculation of a vehicle ventilation system including a membrane dehumidification unit using external air purging, such as the flow rate and pressure drop through the dehumidification membrane.

[0384] The size of the membrane dehumidification unit is limited by the available space in the vehicle, and in this example it is estimated to be 200x200x100mm.

[0385] The number of membrane encapsulations is determined by the desired feed-side pressure drop, estimated at 80 Pa, resulting in a requirement of 100 encapsulations at a recirculation rate of 5 m³ / min.

[0386] Using the method described above, with a permeability coefficient of 14300 GPU and various purging rates, as well as external air temperature and humidity, the performance inside the carriage was calculated at 22°C and 50%RH.

[0387] Figure 28The calculations shown indicate that, for a recirculation rate of 5 m³ / hr under various purging conditions and flow rates, the drier the outside air, the better the performance of the equipment.

[0388] The purging flow rate also has a significant impact on performance. Under winter conditions, the performance of purging with external air is comparable to that of purging with high vacuum, as described above.

[0389] 3. Box experiment testing

[0390] (A) Results – V5 / V6 boxes, V7 boxes, V8 boxes

[0391] Experiments were conducted to demonstrate the removal of moisture from airflow, using equipment installed in, for example... Figure 16 The V5 / V6, V7 and V8 test box devices in the test apparatus shown in (b), 16(c) and 17.

[0392] The testing setup is housed within a large ambient chamber (to facilitate testing under a range of controlled temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions). If necessary, cool air is supplied to the purge gas from an adjacent ambient chamber via plastic tubing.

[0393] The testing setup generates an airflow of 0–45 m³ / hr. Cold purge gas is provided at -20°C.

[0394] The V5 / 6 and V7 box units were tested at 45 m³ / hr using a vacuum pump purging with both indoor air and cold air simultaneously, and were also tested using a blower purging only with cold air. The results were presented in... Figure 29 and Figure 30 As shown in the image.

[0395] The V8 box was tested using cold air purging with a vacuum pump and blower at 18 m³ / hr. Results were... Figure 31 As shown in the image.

[0396] The removal efficiencies (%RE) of all three test boxes V5 / V6, V7, and V8 were tested under comparable conditions of 18 m³ / hr, and the results are listed in Table 2 below: Table 2

[0397] These data are also listed in tabular form. Figure 32 middle.

[0398] (B) Performance data using cold air blowers (with different feed RH and flow rates)

[0399] The performance of the V5 / V6 boxes was tested by blowing cold air from a blower (-20°C) at different feed rates and humidity levels.

[0400] The result is Figure 33 As shown in the image.

[0401] The removal efficiency is higher at lower feed rates and higher humidity.

[0402] The performance of the V5 / V6 boxes was also tested at ambient temperature (22°C) with a high feed gas flow rate (45 m³ / hr) at different humidity levels. The results are listed in Table 3 below and plotted on... Figure 34 middle.

[0403] These data indicate that while the water removal efficiency remains similar at different humidity levels, the absolute amount of water removed is higher at higher relative humidity.

[0404] Table 3

[0405] The exemplary embodiments described above are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. The described embodiments are readily adaptable to various modifications in form, component arrangement, detail, and sequence of operations. This disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications within its scope, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A membrane-like separator used as a dehumidifying membrane, the membrane-like separator comprising: Porous polymer membrane; as well as A selectively permeable material, wherein the selectively permeable material is more permeable to water vapor than to nitrogen and oxygen; The membrane separator has a water vapor permeability coefficient of at least about 10,000 GPUs.

2. The membrane separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The porous polymer membrane is impregnated with the selectively permeable material, which extends through at least a portion of the thickness of the porous polymer membrane, and the porous polymer membrane and the selectively permeable material together form a composite membrane.

3. The membrane separator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The membrane separator has a water vapor permeability coefficient of at least about 12,000 GPU or 15,000 GPU.

4. A membrane separator for gas separation, comprising: Porous polymer membrane; as well as A selectively permeable material, wherein the selectively permeable material has a greater permeability to at least one first substance than to at least one second substance through the membrane-like separator; The porous polymer membrane is impregnated with the selectively permeable material, which penetrates at least a portion of the thickness of the porous polymer membrane.

5. The membrane separator according to claim 4, characterized in that, A permeability coefficient of at least about 10,000 GPUs, 12,000 GPUs, or 15,000 GPUs having at least one of the first substances.

6. The membrane separator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The porous polymer membrane has a porosity between approximately 40% and 95%.

7. The membrane separator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It has a thickness between 0.1 and 20 µm.

8. The membrane separator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The selectively permeable material includes materials selected from the following: silicone resin materials, polyurethane materials, ionomer materials, polyvinyl alcohol materials, polyamide materials, polyimide materials, and hydrophilic biopolymer materials.

9. The membrane separator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The selective permeation material includes materials selected from silicone resin materials and polyurethane materials.

10. The membrane separator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The porous polymer membrane is an expanded polymer membrane.

11. The membrane separator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The porous polymer membrane is an ePP, ePE, or ePTFE membrane.

12. The membrane separator according to claim 2 or 3, or the membrane separator according to any one of claims 6 to 11 when dependent on claim 2, characterized in that, Includes two composite membranes: Each composite membrane is a partially impregnated composite membrane, impregnated through a portion of the membrane's thickness, and includes a coating of the selectively permeable material on its coating surface, wherein the opposite surface of the membrane is an exposed surface free of the selectively permeable material; The first and second sides of the membrane-like separator are defined by the exposed surfaces of the two partially impregnated composite membranes.

13. The membrane separator according to claim 12, characterized in that, The two partially impregnated composite films are bonded together via their coated surfaces.

14. A dehumidification system for selectively removing water vapor from a feed gas, the feed gas comprising the water vapor and one or more second substances; in, The gas separation system includes: A membrane separation unit, the membrane separation unit having: A feed gas inlet for the feed gas and a residual gas outlet for the residual gas; and a permeate outlet for the permeate gas; The feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are connected to a first fluid path, the first fluid path is connected to a first side of the membrane separator, and the permeate outlet is connected to a second flow path, the second flow path is connected to a second surface of the membrane separator. The membrane separator is the membrane separator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, or the membrane separator according to any one of claims 6 to 14 when it is subordinate to claim 1.

15. A gas separation system for selectively removing one or more first substances from a feed gas, the feed gas comprising the one or more first substances and one or more second substances; in, The gas separation system includes: The membrane separation unit has: A feed gas inlet for the feed gas and a residual gas outlet for the residual gas; and a permeate outlet for the permeate gas; The feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are connected to a first fluid path, the first fluid path is connected to a first side of the membrane separator, and the permeate outlet is connected to a second flow path, the second flow path is connected to a second surface of the membrane separator. The membrane separator is the membrane separator according to claim 4 or 5, or the membrane separator according to any one of claims 6 to 11 when it is subordinate to claim 4.

16. The gas separation system according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, It also includes a purge gas inlet connected to the second flow path, thereby allowing purge gas with a lower water vapor partial pressure than the feed gas to flow through or contact the second surface of the membrane separator.

17. The gas separation system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, Includes pumping equipment to reduce the pressure in the second flow path and / or means for increasing the pressure of the feed gas above ambient pressure.

18. The gas separation system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The gas separation system is an HVAC system or a vehicle ventilation system, or is part of such a system.

19. The gas separation system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The gas separation system is a vehicle ventilation system, or forms part of it, and includes ducts for delivering air from the vehicle compartment to the feed gas inlet and / or for delivering air from outside the vehicle; and the ventilation system also includes ducts from the residual gas outlet to the vehicle compartment to circulate or recirculate the residual air back into the vehicle compartment.

20. The gas separation system according to claim 19, characterized in that, It includes a scavenging gas duct for guiding a scavenging gas stream, consisting of a small portion of the residual gas, to mix with outside air.

21. The gas separation system according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The gas separation system is a vehicle ventilation system, or forms part of it, and can be configured to have operating modes, wherein the operating modes include: - The car body air supplied along the pipeline is supplied to the feed gas inlet; - The residual air is recirculated back into the vehicle compartment via a pipe from the residual outlet; and -One or both of the following: External air is supplied along the duct to the purge gas inlet; A vacuum is applied to the second flow path.

22. A vehicle comprising a dehumidification system or a gas separation system according to any one of claims 14 to 21.

23. The vehicle according to claim 22, characterized in that, The vehicle in question is an electric vehicle.

24. A method for dehumidifying a feed gas comprising water vapor and one or more second substances, the method comprising: A membrane separation unit is provided, the membrane separation unit having: A feed gas inlet for the feed gas and a residual gas outlet for the residual gas; and a permeate outlet for the permeate gas; The feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are connected to a first fluid path, the first fluid path being connected to a first side of the membrane separator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or, when dependent on claim 1, to a first side of the membrane separator according to any one of claims 6 to 11, and the permeate outlet is connected to a second flow path, the second flow path being connected to a second surface of the membrane separator. The feed gas is allowed to flow into the first flow path and to contact the first surface of the membrane separator; The second surface of the membrane separator is brought into contact with an environment having a low water vapor partial pressure; The water vapor permeates through the membrane separator at a higher normalized rate than the one or more second substances; Remove the permeate gas, including the water vapor, from the second flow path; as well as The residual gas is allowed to flow out of the first flow path, the residual gas having a lower molar percentage of water vapor than the feed gas.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The membrane-like separator forms part of the vehicle ventilation system and the feed gas is air, wherein the method includes circulating air from the vehicle compartment and / or from outside the vehicle.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, include: - Allow most of the residual gas to flow into the vehicle compartment; - Increase the partial pressure of one or more first substances in the feed gas, and / or decrease the partial pressure of one or more first substances on the second surface in contact with the membrane separator; or - To allow purge gas to flow into the second flow path, the purge gas having a lower partial pressure of one or more first components than the feed gas; and to remove the permeate by allowing permeate gas to flow out of the second flow path.

27. Use of the membrane separator according to claim 4 or 5, or, when dependent on claim 4, use of the membrane separator according to any one of claims 6 to 11, for gas separation.

28. The use according to claim 27, characterized in that, Applications in HVAC systems or vehicle ventilation systems.

29. A dehumidification system for a vehicle for selectively removing water vapor from a feed gas, wherein the feed gas is vehicle cabin air; The dehumidification system includes: The membrane separation unit has: A membrane-like separator, including a selectively permeable membrane, said selectively permeable membrane being more permeable to water vapor than to at least oxygen and nitrogen; The vehicle compartment has a feed gas inlet for air and a residual gas outlet for residual gas; and a permeate outlet for permeate gas. A first flow path communicating with the first side of the membrane separator; and A second flow path communicating with the second surface of the membrane separator; The feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are connected to the first flow path, and the permeate outlet is connected to the second flow path. Pipes for supplying air from the vehicle compartment to the feed gas inlet and / or pipes for supplying air from outside the vehicle; and Pipes used to allow residual gas outlet to flow into the vehicle compartment to circulate or recirculate residual air into the vehicle compartment; The system can be configured to have operating modes, wherein the operating modes include: - Carriage air supplied from the vehicle compartment along the duct is supplied to the feed gas inlet; - The residual air is recirculated back into the vehicle compartment via a pipe from the residual outlet; and -One or both of the following: Outside air is supplied along an additional duct from outside the vehicle to the purge gas inlet leading to the second fluid path; A vacuum is applied to the second flow path.

30. The dehumidification system according to claim 29, characterized in that, The operating mode also includes: A purge gas stream consisting of a small portion of the residual air is introduced into the purge gas inlet leading to the second flow path.

31. The dehumidification system according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The membrane separator has a permeability coefficient of at least about 10,000 GPU, 12,000 GPU, or 15,000 GPU for water vapor; and / or has a thickness of 0.1 µm to 100 µm or 0.1 to 50 µm.

32. The dehumidification system according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, The membrane-like separator includes a porous polymer membrane and a selectively permeable material, which is more permeable to water vapor than to nitrogen and oxygen.

33. The dehumidification system according to claim 32, characterized in that, The porous polymer membrane is an ePP, ePE, or ePTFE membrane.

34. The dehumidification system according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that, The porous polymer membrane is impregnated with the selectively permeable material, which penetrates at least a portion of the thickness of the porous polymer membrane to form a composite membrane.

35. The dehumidification system according to claim 34, characterized in that, The membrane-like separator comprises two or more such composite membranes; Each composite membrane is a partially impregnated composite membrane, and includes a coating of the selectively permeable material on the coated surface; The opposite surfaces of the membrane are exposed surfaces free of the selectively permeable material; and The first and second sides of the membrane separator are defined by the exposed surfaces of two partially impregnated composite membranes.

36. The dehumidification system according to any one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that, The porous polymer membrane has a porosity of 40%-95%.

37. The dehumidification system according to any one of claims 29 to 36, characterized in that, The selectively permeable material includes materials selected from the following: silicone resin materials, polyurethane materials, ionomer materials, polyvinyl base materials, polyamide materials, and polyimide materials.

38. The dehumidification system according to any one of claims 29 to 37, characterized in that, The membrane separation unit includes: case; The membrane-like separator is sealed within the housing around its perimeter; and the membrane-like separator comprises a porous polymer membrane and a selectively permeable material. The housing at least partially defines the first flow path and the second flow path; and The housing includes a support arrangement that directly abuts against the first or second surface of the membrane separator, the support arrangement being configured to mechanically support the membrane separator and define at least a portion of the corresponding first or second flow path.

39. The dehumidification system according to claim 38, characterized in that, The open area of ​​the membrane-like separator is more than 50% of the total area of ​​the second surface.

40. The dehumidification system according to claim 38 or 39, characterized in that, The support arrangement includes a shaped support structure having multiple support structure parts and multiple recessed structure parts.

41. The dehumidification system according to claim 40, characterized in that, The support structure includes a plurality of elongated ribs, and the recessed structure includes elongated channels between the ribs.

42. The dehumidification system according to any one of claims 38 to 41, characterized in that: The housing includes a frame having a perimeter portion and a wall portion, which together define a recess; The membrane-like separator is placed in the recess or covers the recess and seals to the perimeter portion; and The perimeter portion defines a portion of the first flow path and / or the second flow path; one or more first orifices or channels extend through the perimeter portion, the first orifices or channels defining a portion of the first flow path; and / or one or more second channels or orifices may extend through the perimeter portion, the second orifices or channels defining a portion of the second flow path.

43. The dehumidification system according to claim 42, characterized in that, The housing is a sandwich structure, formed by a first housing portion and a second housing portion sandwiched together via corresponding first and second perimeter portions, the first and second perimeter portions jointly defining the perimeter portion of the housing, wherein the perimeter of the membrane-like separator is sandwiched between the first housing portion and the second housing portion and sealed.

44. A method for dehumidifying the air inside a vehicle, comprising: A membrane separation unit is provided, the membrane separation unit having: A membrane-like separator, including a selectively permeable membrane, said selectively permeable membrane being more permeable to water vapor than to at least oxygen and nitrogen; The vehicle compartment has a feed gas inlet for air and a residual gas outlet for residual gas; and a permeate outlet for permeate gas. A first fluid path communicating with the first side of the membrane separator; as well as A second flow path communicating with the second surface of the membrane separator; The feed gas inlet and the residual gas outlet are connected to the first fluid path, and the permeate outlet is connected to the second flow path; The air in the carriage is made to flow along the duct and enter the first flow path, and the air in the carriage is made to contact the first surface of the membrane separator; The second surface of the membrane separator is brought into contact with an environment having a lower water vapor partial pressure than the first surface; The water vapor permeates from the first surface through the membrane separator to the second surface at a normalized rate higher than that of at least oxygen and nitrogen; Remove permeate gas, including water vapor, from the second flow path; The residual gas is allowed to flow out of the first flow path and recirculated back into the vehicle compartment via a pipeline; the residual gas has a lower molar percentage of water vapor than the feed gas; and One or both of the following: Outside air is supplied to the purge gas inlet via an additional duct from outside the vehicle. A vacuum is applied to the second flow path.

45. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that, This includes using a dehumidification system according to any one of claims 29 to 43.

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