An oxygen generating device and the operation method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an oxygen generating device (1) comprising a body (2); an air inlet opening (3) which is arranged on the body (2); a container (4) which is provided in the body (2) and which is suitable for storing electrolyte solutions; a delivery pipe (5) with one end connected to the container (4); at least one generator module (6) which breaks down the electrolyte solution and which is connected to the container (4) by means of the delivery pipe (5); and a pump (7) which provides the delivery of the electrolyte solution between the container (4) and the generator module (6), and relates to the operation method of the device (1).

Description

[0001] AN OXYGEN GENERATING DEVICE AND THE OPERATION METHOD

[0002] THEREOF

[0003] The present invention relates to a device which generates oxygen and provides fresh air and the operation method of the device.

[0004] Diminishing natural oxygen sources (forests, green areas, etc.) make the need for oxygen production critical for all living beings and therefore, search for alternative solutions continues. Today, the need for ventilation and fresh air becomes more important especially in high-rise buildings. Plants can be a temporary solution for daytime but when the sunlight disappears; plants also start to produce carbon dioxide like human beings. Especially in high-rise buildings, it is not always possible to continuously keep the windows open and ventilate the environment.

[0005] The amount of oxygen in the environment directly affects the metabolic rate of people and lack thereof creates weakness, fatigue and fatigue in humans. Ensuring that the amount of oxygen in the room does not fall below a certain level while reducing the amount of carbon dioxide generated in the environment makes the human metabolism much more vivid and vigorous. Today, modules known as artificial photosynthesis modules which can generate energy with photocatalytic reactions using light, and devices containing said modules are used. However, said devices do not separate the oxygen generated as a result of photocatalytic reactions but provide only high-energy gases such as methane, ethane, hydrogen, etc.

[0006] In the state of the art United States Patent Application No. US2019131470, a module which performs artificial photosynthesis by using an electrolyte solution and light, and a device comprising said module are disclosed.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a device which increase the oxygen level in the environment so as to release high-oxygen air to the environment.

[0008] The oxygen generating device of the present invention comprises an air inlet opening. Air with high carbon dioxide concentration in the environment is taken into the device through said air inlet opening. The oxygen generator of the present invention comprises a container accommodating an electrolyte solution. CO2 taken through the air inlet opening is delivered into the container through a CO2 filter.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises an water inlet duct for the user to fill water into the container. Moreover, in this embodiment, in order to prepare the electrolyte solution, the container comprise a dosing unit for mixing carbonate salts in powder or tablet form and preparing the electrolyte solution in a concentration determined by the producer. Thus, the user can access the container and the electrolyte solution is provided by the user.

[0010] The electrolyte solution stored in the container is delivered from the container to the generator module by means of a pump disposed in the container and a delivery pipe with one end connected to the container and the other end to the generator module.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a control unit which measures the level of the electrolyte solution and which warns the user if the liquid level falls below an optimum value predetermined by the producer. Thus, the device can be continuously operated.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a pH sensor which measures the pH value of the electrolyte solution. The pH range of the electrolyte solution must be in the range of 6-7 in order to perform efficient reactions. The carbon dioxide supplied from the air inlet opening to the electrolyte solution decreases the pH value of the solution and increases the saturation of the solution.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a mobile FTIR. Thus, the structure of the molecules in the solution is analyzed and the control unit determines the saturation level of the solution.

[0014] The oxygen generating device of the present invention comprises at least one generator module which electrochemically breaks down and converts the electrolyte solution and the carbon dioxide so as to separate the oxygen, and which has a first electrode, a second electrode and a porous diaphragm disposed between said electrodes. The first electrode, the second electrode and the diaphragm form the generator module. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of generator modules can be used in order to generate oxygen faster and to perform more efficient electrochemical reactions.

[0015] The first electrode of the generator module is the cathode electrode and has at least one layer comprising a conductive electroactive material such as tin and / or copper, which is preferably prone to generation of harmless weak acids such as citric acid, acetic acid and formic acid as by-products.

[0016] The second electrode of the generator module is the anode electrode, and only the anode reaction wherein water is broken down into hydrogen and oxygen takes place at this electrode. Since the diaphragm disposed between the first and second electrodes has a porous structure suitable for the passage of hydrogen molecules, the hydrogen generated at the second electrode as a result of the reactions migrates to the first electrode and thus only the oxygen molecule remains at the second electrode. Thereby, the oxygen generated is released to the environment through the air outlet opening.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generating device comprises a combustion unit wherein the gases generated at the first electrode are burned so as to be converted to carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide and water leaving the combustion unit can be supplied back to the container by means of a return pipe.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit calculates the stoichiometric rate required for the combustion of the waste gases generated at the first electrode and receives the required amount of oxygen into the combustion unit from the second electrode.

[0019] By means of the present invention, a device is realized, which generates oxygen-rich air by using the ambient air with high levels of carbon dioxide without requiring light.

[0020] By means of the present invention, an oxygen generating device is realized, which can be integrated to household appliances such as air conditioner, air purifier, etc.

[0021] The model embodiments relating to the oxygen generating device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention are illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0022] Figure 1- is the schematic view of the oxygen generating device of the present invention. Figure 2- is the schematic view of the working principle of the oxygen generating device of the present invention.

[0023] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

[0024] I . Oxygen generating device

[0025] 2. Body

[0026] 3. Air inlet opening

[0027] 4. Container

[0028] 5. Distribution pipe

[0029] 6. Generator module

[0030] 7. Pump

[0031] 8. First electrode

[0032] 9. Second electrode

[0033] 10. Diaphragm

[0034] I I . Air outlet opening

[0035] 12. Combustion unit

[0036] 13. C02filter

[0037] 14. pH sensor

[0038] 15. Dosing unit

[0039] 16. Liquid waste container

[0040] 17. Return pipe

[0041] 18. Water duct

[0042] 19. Liquid level sensor

[0043] 20. Waste delivery pipe

[0044] 21. Valve 22. Control unit

[0045] 23. Igniter

[0046] 24. Mobile FTIR

[0047] 25. Air quality sensor

[0048] 26. Oxygen sensor

[0049] The oxygen generating device (1) comprises a body (2); an air inlet opening (3) which is arranged on the body (2); a container (4) which is provided in the body (2) and which is suitable for storing electrolyte solutions; a delivery pipe (5) with one end connected to the container (4); at least one generator module (6) which breaks down the electrolyte solution and which is connected to the container (4) by means of the delivery pipe (5); and a pump

[0050] (7) which provides the delivery of the electrolyte solution between the container (4) and the generator module (6).

[0051] The oxygen generating device (1) of the present invention comprises the at least one generator module (6) which has a first electrode (8) having at least one conductive electroactive layer, a second electrode (9) working in an opposite manner to the first electrode (8) so as to break down the water in the electrolyte solution by voltage into hydrogen and oxygen, and a diaphragm (10) which is disposed between the first electrode

[0052] (8) and the second electrode (9) and which allows the passage of hydrogen only from the second electrode (9) to the first electrode (8); and an air outlet opening (11) which provides the releasing of the oxygen generated at the second electrode (9) to the environment.

[0053] In the oxygen generating device (1) of the present invention, the air inlet opening (3) is arranged on the body (2). The ambient air is sucked through said air inlet opening (3) into the device (1). Moreover, a solution formed by water and the dissolving of carbonate salts is provided in the container (4) in the body (2). The carbon dioxide in the ambient air is delivered to the solution in the container (4). The oxygen generating device (1) of the present invention comprises the at least one generator module (6) having the first electrode (8) wherein an artificial photosynthesis is electrochemically performed, the second electrode (9) and the diaphragm (10) which is disposed between the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (9). The diaphragm (10) comprises pores sized so as to allow only the passage of hydrogen ions. The electrolyte solution formed in the container (4) is delivered to the generator module (6) by means of the pump (7). In the generator module (6), the first electrode (8) has a layer composed of at least one electroactive material such as tin, copper, etc. suitable for the generation of acetic acid, formic acid and citric acid. Electrochemical reactions occur at said first electrode (8) and second electrode (9). The hydrogen ions generated as a result of the electrochemical reaction occurring at the second electrode (9) pass to the first electrode (8) through the diaphragm (10). The oxygen remaining at the second electrode (9) is released to the environment through the air outlet opening (11). Thus, by using the carbon dioxide in the ambient air and the electrolyte solution in the container (4), oxygen is generated at the generator module (6) and the ambient air is enriched with oxygen and released back to the environment.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generating device (1) of the present invention comprises a control unit (22) which calculates the oxygen required for burning the harmful gases and the hydrogen generated at the first electrode (8), and a combustion unit (12) having an igniter (23), wherein the harmful gases and the hydrogen leaving the generator module (6) are burned. Thus, the gases generated at the generator module (6) are converted in the device (1) and rendered harmless.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generating device (1) of the present invention comprises a return pipe (17) which enables the carbon dioxide and water generated as a result of the reactions at the combustion unit (12) to be supplied back to the container (4), and a liquid waste container (16) wherein liquid wastes such as acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, ethanol, etc. generated at the generator module (6) are collected. Thus, liquid wastes generated as a result of the electrochemical reactions are collected in a volume which can be removed by the user from the device (1). In addition, the carbon dioxide and water generated as a result of the combustion reaction at the combustion (12) can be supplied back to the container (4) to generate oxygen.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generating device (1) comprises a CO2 filter (13) which filters the carbon dioxide in the air entering through the air inlet opening (3) and the carbon dioxide coming through the return pipe (17) so as to deliver the same to the container (4). By means of the filter (13), the carbon dioxide separated from other gases in the air can be directly delivered to the generator module (6).

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generating device (1) comprises a water duct (18) which enables the user to fill water directly into the container (4), and a dosing unit (15) which doses the carbonate salts to the container (4) in powder or tablet form so as to form the electrolyte solution. In this embodiment, if no electrolyte solution remains in the oxygen generating device (1), the user can load the water and salt required for the formation of the electrolyte solution directly into the container (4).

[0058] In another embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generating device (1) comprises a liquid level sensor (19) which measures the amount of water in the container (4), and the control unit (22) which warns the user if the water level in the container (4) falls below a level predetermined by the producer. Thus, the user can determine whether the water level in the container (4) is sufficient for the occurrence of electrochemical reactions.

[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generating device (1) comprises a pH sensor (14) which measures the pH value of the electrolyte solution in the container (4), and a control unit (22) which decides on the saturation level of the electrolyte solution by using the effect of CO2 on the pH of the electrolyte solution, and which warns the user to replenish the electrolyte solution in the container (4) when the electrolyte solution reaches saturation. If used continuously, the electrolyte solution reaches saturation after a certain period of time. Thus, the saturation level of the solution can be controlled by means of the pH sensor (14) and the control unit (22).

[0060] In another embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generating device (1) comprises a mobile FTIR (24) which measures the saturation level of the solution according to the molecule bonds of the electrolyte solution in the container (4), and a control unit (22) which warns the user to replenish the electrolyte solution in the container (4) when the electrolyte solution reaches saturation. Thus, the saturation level of the solution is determined. In another embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generating device (1) comprises a valve (21) and a waste delivery pipe (20) connected to the valve (21) for delivering the unfunctional solution when the electrolyte solution in the container (4) reaches saturation to the liquid waste container (16). Thus, the unfunctional solution in the container (4) can be discharged from the device (1) together with other liquid wastes.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generating device (1) comprises an air quality sensor (25) which is a multi sensor measuring the concentration of gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen in the air; an oxygen sensor (26) which measures the oxygen concentration of the ambient air; and a control unit (22) which operates the device (1) if the carbon dioxide concentration in the air exceeds an optimum value predetermined by the producer or if the oxygen concentration in the air falls below an optimum value predetermined by the producer. Thus, the oxygen generating device (1) can be automatically operated if required with respect to the concentration of gases in the air, continuously improving the air quality. In this embodiment, the air quality sensor (25) can also detect any leak of harmful gases such as methane, etc. in the device (1), and the user is warned by means of the control unit (22).

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner comprises the oxygen generating device (1) of the present invention. The oxygen generating device (1) can be permanently positioned in any region of the air conditioner body or can be detachably attached to the air conditioner as per user preference. Thus, an air conditioner used for heating / cooling can receive the ambient air with high levels of carbon dioxide and convert the same to oxygen to be released to the environment.

[0063] The operation method of the oxygen generating device (1) of the present invention comprises the steps of

[0064] - dosing the water and the powder or tablet containing carbonate salts to the container (4) or storing the prepared electrolyte solution in the container (4),

[0065] - filtering the CC in the ambient air taken through the air inlet opening (3) to be delivered into the container (4), - delivering the mixture of CO2and the electrolyte solution to the generator module (6) by means of the pump (7),

[0066] - performing the reactions of 2H++2e ¾,

[0067] C02+ 2H++2e «—►HCOOH (formic asit);

[0068] 2CO2+ 12H++ 12e ·*—►C2H5OH (ethanol) +

[0069] 3H2O,

[0070]

[0071] 5H2O at the first electrode (8) and

[0072] 6H2O◄—►12H++12e + 302at the second electrode (9),

[0073] transferring the hydrogen ions generated at the second electrode (9) through the diaphragm (10)

[0074] to the first electrode (8), and

[0075] releasing the oxygen generated at the second electrode (9) to the environment through the air outlet opening (11).

[0076] In an embodiment of the present invention, the operation method of the oxygen generating device (1) comprises the step of burning the harmful gases and hydrogen generated at the first electrode (8) with the oxygen generated at the second electrode (9) in the combustion unit (12) so as to be converted to carbon dioxide and water and supplying the same to the container (4) through the return pipe (17).

[0077] In another embodiment of the present invention, the operation method of the oxygen generating device (1) comprises the step of delivering the acetic acid, formic acid, citric acid and ethanol generated at the generator module (6) to the liquid waste container (16). By means of the present invention, an oxygen generating device (1) wherein the air in a closed environment with high levels of carbon dioxide is converted to oxygen by means of the generator module (6) wherein electrochemical reactions are performed and an oxygen- rich air is released to the environment as well as an air conditioner whereto said device (1) is integrated are realized.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An oxygen generating device (1) comprising- a body (2);- an air inlet opening (3) which is arranged on the body (2);- a container (4) which is provided in the body (2) and which is suitable for storing electrolyte solutions;- a delivery pipe (5) with one end connected to the container (4);- at least one generator module (6) which breaks down the electrolyte solution and which is connected to the container (4) by means of the delivery pipe (5); and- a pump (7) which provides the delivery of the electrolyte solution between the container (4) and the generator module (6),characterized by- the at least one generator module (6) which has a first electrode (8) having at least one conductive electroactive layer, a second electrode (9) working in an opposite manner to the first electrode (8) so as to break down the water in the electrolyte solution by voltage into hydrogen and oxygen, and a diaphragm (10) which is disposed between the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (9) and which allows the passage of hydrogen only from the second electrode (9) to the first electrode (8); and- an air outlet opening (11) which provides the releasing of the oxygen generated at the second electrode (9) to the environment.

2. An oxygen generating device (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a control unit (22) which calculates the oxygen required for burning the harmful gases and the hydrogen generated at the first electrode (8), and a combustion unit (12) having an igniter (23), wherein the harmful gases and the hydrogen leaving the generator module (6) are burned.

3. An oxygen generating device (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by a return pipe (17) which enables the carbon dioxide and water generated as a result of the reactions atthe combustion unit (12) to be supplied back to the container (4), and a liquid waste container (16) wherein liquid wastes such as acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, ethanol, etc. generated at the generator module (6) are collected.

4. An oxygen generating device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a CO2 filter (13) which filters the carbon dioxide in the air entering through the air inlet opening (3) and the carbon dioxide coming through the return pipe (17) so as to deliver the same to the container (4).

5. An oxygen generating device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a water duct (18) which enables the user to fill water directly into the container (4), and a dosing unit (15) which doses the carbonate salts to the container (4) in powder or tablet form so as to form the electrolyte solution.

6. An oxygen generating device (1) as in any one of the Claims 1 to 5, characterized by a liquid level sensor (19) which measures the amount of water in the container (4), and the control unit (22) which warns the user if the water level in the container (4) falls below a level predetermined by the producer.

7. An oxygen generating device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a pH sensor (14) which measures the pH value of the electrolyte solution in the container (4), and a control unit (22) which decides on the saturation level of the electrolyte solution by using the effect of CO2 on the pH of the electrolyte solution, and which warns the user to replenish the electrolyte solution in the container if the electrolyte solution reaches saturation.

8. An oxygen generating device (1) as in any one of the Claims 1 to 6, characterized by a mobile FTIR (24) which measures the saturation level of the solution according to the molecule bonds of the electrolyte solution in the container (4), and a control unit (22) which warns the user to replenish the electrolyte solution in the container (4) when the electrolyte solution reaches saturation.

9. An oxygen generating device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a valve (21) and a waste delivery pipe (20) connected to the valve (21) for delivering theunfunctional solution when the electrolyte solution in the container (4) reaches saturation to the liquid waste container (16).

10. An oxygen generating device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an air quality sensor (25) which is a multi sensor measuring the concentration of gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen in the air; an oxygen sensor (26) which measures the oxygen concentration of the ambient air; and a control unit (22) which operates the device (1) if the carbon dioxide concentration in the air exceeds an optimum value predetermined by the producer or if the oxygen concentration in the air falls below an optimum value predetermined by the producer.

11. An air conditioner comprising an oxygen generating device (1) as in any one of the above claims.

12. An operation method of the oxygen generating device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the steps of- dosing the water and the powder or tablet containing carbonate salts to the container (4) or storing the prepared electrolyte solution in the container (4),- filtering the CC in the ambient air taken through the air inlet opening (3) to be delivered into the container (4),- delivering the mixture of CO2 and the electrolyte solution to the generator module (6) by means of the pump (7),- performing the reactions of 2H++2e¾,C02+ 2H++2e «—►HCOOH (formic asit);2CO2 + 12H++ 12e «—►C2H5OH (ethanol) +3H2O,C02+ 8H++ 8e ® CH4 (methane) +2H20,2CO2+ 8H++ 8e(acetic acid) + 2H2O,6CO2+ 18H++ 18e 4—►OόHdOg (citric acid) +5H2O at the first electrode (8) and6H2O 12H++12e + 302at the sfeetend electrode (9),transferring the hydrogen ions generated at the second electrode (9) through the diaphragm (10)to the first electrode (8), andreleasing the oxygen generated at the second electrode (9) to the environment through the air outlet opening (11).

13. A method as in Claim 12, characterized by the step of burning the harmful gases and hydrogen generated at the first electrode (8) with the oxygen generated at the second electrode (9) in the combustion unit (12) so as to be converted to carbon dioxide and water and supplying the same to the container (4) through the return pipe (17).

14. A method as in Claim 12 or 13, characterized by the step of delivering the acetic acid, formic acid, citric acid and ethanol generated at the generator module (6) to the liquid waste container (16).

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