Oxygen Concentrator Module

Abstract

An oxygen concentrator module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrochemical cell 40 including a cathode 34, an anode 54, a proton exchange membrane 42 located between the cathode 34 and the anode 54, a cathode chamber 32 located on the opposite side of the cathode 34 to the proton exchange membrane 42, and an anode chamber 52 located on the opposite side of the anode 54 to the proton exchange membrane 42, a flow path for a gas feed stream 10 in fluid communication with the cathode chamber 32, a flow path for a concentrated oxygen stream 56 in fluid communication with the anode chamber 52 and for removing the concentrated oxygen stream 56 from the anode chamber 52, a flow path for a separated water stream 96 in fluid communication with the cathode chamber 32 and for removing a separated water stream 96 from the cathode chamber 32, and an enthalpy exchanger 20 in fluid communication with the cathode chamber 32 via the flow path for the exchanged stream 22. The flow path of the gas feed stream 10 is in fluid communication with an enthalpy exchanger 20 upstream of the electrochemical cell 40 to produce an exchanged stream 22 .

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 211,248, filed June 16, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] It is important to be able to easily produce high concentrations of oxygen in situations where it is very difficult to provide sufficient amounts of oxygen to patients who are having difficulty breathing. Hospitals and care facilities often keep pressurized oxygen tanks on hand to provide oxygen to patients when needed. However, these tanks are cumbersome to move and many safety precautions must be taken when storing and transporting them.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved system for concentrating oxygen on demand. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An oxygen concentrator module is disclosed herein.

[0005] In one embodiment, the oxygen concentrator module includes an electrochemical cell 40 including a cathode 34, an anode 54, a proton exchange membrane 42 located between the cathode 34 and the anode 54, a cathode chamber 32 located on the opposite side of the cathode 34 to the proton exchange membrane 42, and an anode chamber 52 located on the opposite side of the anode 54 to the proton exchange membrane 42, a flow path for a gas feed stream 10 in fluid communication with the cathode chamber 32, and a flow path for the anode chamber 52 in fluid communication with the cathode chamber 32. a flow path for a concentrated oxygen stream 56 in fluid communication with the anode chamber 52 and for removing a concentrated oxygen stream 56 from the anode chamber 52; a flow path for a separated water stream 96 in fluid communication with the cathode chamber 32 and for removing a separated water stream 96 from the cathode chamber 32; and an enthalpy exchanger 20 in fluid communication with the cathode chamber 32 via a flow path for an exchanged stream 22, the flow path for the gas feed stream 10 being in fluid communication with the enthalpy exchanger 20 upstream of the electrochemical cell 40 to produce the exchanged stream 22.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for concentrating oxygen includes an electrochemical cell 40 comprising a cathode 34, an anode 54, a proton exchange membrane 42 located between the cathode 34 and the anode 54, a cathode chamber 32 located on the opposite side of the cathode 34 from the proton exchange membrane 42, and an anode chamber 52 located on the opposite side of the anode 54 from the proton exchange membrane 42, the method comprising: introducing a gas feed stream 10 into the cathode chamber 32 of the electrochemical cell 40; removing a concentrated oxygen stream 56 from the anode chamber 52; removing a separated water stream 96 from the cathode chamber 32; directing the gas feed stream 10 to an enthalpy exchanger 20 upstream of the electrochemical cell 40 and hydrating the gas feed stream 10 in the enthalpy exchanger 20.

[0007] The above-disclosed and other features are illustrated by the accompanying drawings, detailed description, and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] The following figures are exemplary embodiments and are provided to illustrate the present disclosure. These figures are exemplary and are not intended to limit devices manufactured according to the present disclosure to the materials, conditions, or process parameters set forth herein. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of an oxygen concentrator module. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of an oxygen concentrator module equipped with an anode-side water supply portion. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of a gas supply introduction unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of an oxygen concentrator module equipped with a cathode-side water supply portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An Oxygen Concentrator Module (OCM) has been developed that utilizes electrochemical processes to produce, store, and administer concentrated oxygen to patients without the need for an external oxygen supply. The OCM can purify, separate, and concentrate oxygen from the air while simultaneously producing oxygen under pressure. The OCM can operate reliably over a range of inlet pressures and oxygen concentrations while minimizing hardware mass, volume, and power, and can deliver a range of outlet flow rates and concentrations to the patient. The OCM's solid-state technology can include a portable oxygen concentration stack and supporting electrical, control, and fluidic systems. The core technology is inherently capable of flow turndown and can respond to changing demand, allowing for easy integration with application feedback systems. Power consumption can be directly proportional to the flow rate of concentrated oxygen, and its volume footprint is small compared to other commercial technologies.

[0010] The oxygen concentrator module comprises an electrochemical cell that combines a water electrolyser and a fuel cell. As shown in FIG. 1, a humid air stream (indicated by the arrow labeled "Air, H2O") can be directed to the cathode chamber of the electrochemical cell 40. Water vapor can be permeated through the proton exchange membrane 42 to the dry anode side of the electrochemical cell. A DC potential is applied to the electrochemical cell, causing water to be electrolyzed at the anode 54, resulting in an oxygen product stream (indicated by the arrow labeled "O2"). Positively charged protons produced by electrolysis permeate the membrane 42 to the negatively charged cathode 34 where they recombine with oxygen from the air to regenerate water. The oxygen concentrator module can comprise multiple electrochemical cells depending on the desired oxygen output. Because oxygen can be consumed and produced at comparable rates, oxygen can be concentrated and delivered to the patient or supplied for storage. Water vapor can be consumed and regenerated from the surrounding air with no net change in environmental humidity. It is believed that a key aspect of this design is the ability to achieve moisture management within the cell so that performance can be maximized and power minimized.

[0011] FIG. 2A is an illustration of one embodiment of an oxygen concentrator module. As shown in FIG. 2A, a gas feed stream 10 can be in fluid communication with an electrochemical cell 40. The gas feed stream 10 can be introduced into the system via at least one of, for example, a blower 12, an air compressor, a compressed gas tank, a pump, or the like. One or more filters 8 can be disposed upstream of the electrochemical cell 40 to filter the gas feed stream 10 prior to introduction into the electrochemical cell 40. The gas feed stream 10 can include humid air. The gas feed stream 10 can include nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water. The gas feed stream 10 can include up to 22 volume percent, or between 5 and 21 volume percent, or between 5 and 15 volume percent oxygen, based on the total volume of the gas feed stream.

[0012] All or a portion of the gas feed stream 10 may be directed to the electrochemical cell 40. All or a portion of the gas feed stream 10 may be directed to an enthalpy exchanger 20 prior to being introduced into the electrochemical cell 40. An exchanged stream 22 containing all or a portion of the gas feed stream 10 may be directed to the cathode chamber 32 of the electrochemical cell 40. An air outlet stream 24 may be removed from the enthalpy exchanger 20.

[0013] Water vapor from gas feed stream 10 may permeate through proton exchange membrane 42 to anode 54. Water may be electrolyzed at anode 54 to produce oxygen according to reaction (1).

[0014]

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[0015] Protons produced at the anode 54 can permeate through the proton exchange membrane 42 back to the cathode 34 where they can recombine with oxygen in the reverse reaction (2) to produce water.

[0016]

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[0017] The product oxygen may be collected in the anode chamber 52 to generate a concentrated oxygen stream 56. The concentrated oxygen stream 56 may include 25 volume percent or more, or 25-100 volume percent, 50-99 volume percent, or 60-85 volume percent oxygen, based on the total volume of the concentrated oxygen stream 56. The concentrated oxygen stream 56 may be provided to a patient. The flow path of the concentrated oxygen stream 56 may be in fluid communication with an oxygen storage tank 70. The flow path of the concentrated oxygen stream 56 may be in fluid communication with a dryer 60. The dryer 60 may be located, for example, upstream of the oxygen storage tank 70 or the patient. The dryer 60 may remove moisture from the concentrated oxygen stream to generate a dry oxygen stream 62. The dryer 60 may include at least one of a condenser, a membrane separator, a heat exchanger, and the like. A portion of the dry oxygen stream 62 may be returned to the dryer 60 for further drying. All or a portion of the dry oxygen stream may be removed from the dryer 60. The flow out of the dryer 60 can be regulated by a backpressure regulator, and the flow can be diverted back to and / or away from the dryer 60 by valves.

[0018] At least a portion of the optionally dried enriched oxygen stream 56 may be mixed with a portion of the gas feed stream 10 in mixer 72. This mixing may be utilized to adjust the oxygen concentration of the resulting stream to a predetermined oxygen content.

[0019] At least a portion of the flow path of the enriched oxygen stream 56, which is optionally dried or optionally mixed with the gas feed stream 10, may be in fluid communication with a filter 74, such as, for example, a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The flow rate of the output stream 78 may be regulated via a flow regulator 76. The enriched oxygen stream 56 as the output stream 78 may include, for example, 20-90 volume percent, or 25-90 volume percent, or 35-90 volume percent oxygen, based on the total volume of the output stream 78.

[0020] The water recycle stream 80 may be generated by the dryer 60. All or a portion of the flow path of the water recycle stream 80 may be in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell 40 by introduction into either or both of the cathode side chamber 32 and the anode side chamber 52. All or a portion of the flow path of the water recycle stream 80 may optionally be in fluid communication with the cathode side chamber 32 via at least one of a water storage tank 90 and an enthalpy exchanger 20. All or a portion of the flow path of the water recycle stream 80 may optionally be in fluid communication with the anode side chamber 52 via the water storage tank 90.

[0021] The water tank 90 can store either or both of water from the water recycle stream 80 or water from a fresh water stream 94. The water tank 90 can store water and introduce it to the electrochemical cell 40 in a controlled manner. The flow path of the fresh water stream 94 from the fresh water source can be in fluid communication with a water filter 92 before entering the oxygen concentrator module. Downstream of the water tank 90 and upstream of the enthalpy exchanger 20 can be a phase separator that can convert liquid water to gas.

[0022] A separate water stream 96 may be formed and drawn off within the cathode side chamber 32. The flow path of the separate water stream 96 may be in fluid communication with the water tank 90.

[0023] Figure 2B is an illustration of an exemplary unit within the dashed box of Figure 2A for introducing gas feed stream 10. The unit may include a filter 8. Filter 8 is powered by the stack, for example, a stack power supply (illustrated by the bottom box), a stack having 24 Volts DC (illustrated by the middle box), and is enabled by a graphical user interface (GUI) controller (illustrated by the top box).

[0024] FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of an oxygen concentrator module. As shown in FIG. 3, the flow path of the gas feed stream 10 can be in fluid communication with an electrochemical cell 40. The gas feed stream 10 can be introduced into the system via, for example, at least one of an air compressor 26, a blower, a compressed gas tank 2, a pump, or the like. One or more filters 8 can be disposed upstream of the electrochemical cell 40 to filter the gas feed stream 10 before being introduced into the electrochemical cell 40. The gas feed stream 10 can include moist air. The gas feed stream 10 can include nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water. The gas feed stream 10 can include up to 22 volume percent, or between 5 and 21 volume percent, or between 5 and 15 volume percent oxygen, based on the total volume of the gas feed stream.

[0025] All or a portion of the gas feed stream 10 may be directed to the electrochemical cell 40. All or a portion of the gas feed stream 10 may be directed to an enthalpy exchanger 20 prior to being introduced into the electrochemical cell 40. The enthalpy exchanger 20 may be a stack exchanger. An exchanged stream 22 containing all or a portion of the gas feed stream 10 may be directed to the cathode chamber 32 of the electrochemical cell 40. An air outlet stream 24 may be removed from the enthalpy exchanger 20. A water bleed stream 18 may be removed from the enthalpy exchanger 20.

[0026] Water vapor from gas feed stream 10 may permeate through proton exchange membrane 42 to anode 54. Water may be electrolyzed at anode 54 to produce oxygen according to reaction (1).

[0027]

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[0028] Protons produced at the anode 54 can permeate through the proton exchange membrane 42 back to the cathode 34 where they can recombine with oxygen in the reverse reaction (2) to produce water.

[0029]

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[0030] The product oxygen may be collected in the anode chamber 52 to produce a concentrated oxygen stream 56. The concentrated oxygen stream 56 may be provided to a patient. The flow path of the concentrated oxygen stream 56 may be in fluid communication with an oxygen storage tank 70. The flow path of the concentrated oxygen stream 56 may optionally be in fluid communication with a dryer. The dryer may be located, for example, upstream of the oxygen storage tank 70 or the patient. The dryer may remove moisture from the concentrated oxygen stream to produce a dry oxygen stream. The dryer may include at least one of a condenser, a membrane separator, a heat exchanger, and the like.

[0031] At least a portion of the enriched oxygen stream 56 may be mixed with a portion of the gas feed stream 10 in mixer 72. This mixing may be utilized to adjust the oxygen concentration of the resulting stream to a predetermined oxygen content.

[0032] At least a portion of the flow path of enriched oxygen stream 56, which is optionally mixed with gas supply stream 10, can be in fluid communication with a filter 74, such as, for example, a HEPA filter. The flow rate of output stream 78 can be regulated via a flow regulator 76. Enriched oxygen stream 56 as output stream 78 can include, for example, 20-90 volume percent, or 25-90 volume percent, or 35-90 volume percent oxygen, based on the total volume of output stream 78.

[0033] The water reservoir 90 can supply water from a fresh water stream to the oxygen concentrator module. The water reservoir 90 can store water and introduce it in a controlled manner to the electrochemical cell 40. The flow path of the fresh water stream from the fresh water source can be in fluid communication with a water filter before entering the oxygen concentrator module.

[0034] A separated water stream 96 may be formed and withdrawn from the cathode chamber 32. The flow path of the separated water stream 96 may be in fluid communication with the enthalpy exchanger 20.

[0035] The oxygen concentrator module may be portable, weighing less than 23 kilograms (kg), or between 5 and 15 kg, or between 5 and 10 kg. The oxygen concentrator module may produce as much as 5.5 liters of pure oxygen per minute, for example, for an air input of 52 liters per minute. The oxygen concentrator module may generate an oxygen output pressure of 5 bara. The generated oxygen may be produced either dry or saturated with water. The power requirements of the system may be 1.3 kilowatts (kW) or less, or between 0.5 and 1.3 kW. These values ​​may depend on the module design. It is noted that the oxygen concentrator module may be configured to provide higher or lower amounts of final oxygen at different pressures, as desired.

[0036] The oxygen concentrator module includes an electrochemical cell 40 including a cathode 34, an anode 54, a proton exchange membrane 42 located between the cathode 34 and the anode 54, a cathode chamber 32 located on the opposite side of the cathode 34 to the proton exchange membrane 42, and an anode chamber 52 located on the opposite side of the anode 54 to the proton exchange membrane 42, a flow path for a gas feed stream 10 in fluid communication with the cathode chamber 32, a flow path for a concentrated oxygen stream 56 in fluid communication with the anode chamber 52 and for removing the concentrated oxygen stream 56 from the anode chamber 52, a flow path for a separated water stream 96 in fluid communication with the cathode chamber 32 and for removing a separated water stream 96 from the cathode chamber 32, and an enthalpy exchanger 20 in fluid communication with the cathode chamber 32 via the flow path for the exchanged stream 22. The flow path of the gas feed stream 10 is in fluid communication with an enthalpy exchanger 20 upstream of the electrochemical cell 40 to produce an exchanged stream 22 .

[0037] The enthalpy exchanger 20 may be a stack exchanger, and the oxygen concentrator module may comprise a stack of electrochemical cells 40 and stack exchangers. The stack may comprise one or more electrochemical cells 40. The oxygen concentrator module may comprise a dryer 60 in fluid communication with the anode chamber 52 via the flow path of the enriched oxygen stream 56. The flow path of the water recycle stream 80 may be in fluid communication with the dryer 60 and with one or both of the enthalpy exchanger 20 and the anode chamber 52. The oxygen concentrator module may comprise a water tank 90 in fluid communication with the enthalpy exchanger 20. The oxygen concentrator module may comprise a mixer 72 in fluid communication with the flow paths of the gas feed stream 10 and the enriched oxygen stream. The flow rates of the gas feed stream 10 and the enriched oxygen stream, respectively, may be adjustable, thereby adjusting the oxygen concentration of the output stream 78. The oxygen concentrator module may comprise an oxygen tank 70 in fluid communication with the anode chamber 52. The oxygen concentrator module may include at least one of a blower 12, an air compressor 26, a compressed gas tank 2, and a pump configured to supply the gas feed stream 10 to the cathode chamber. The oxygen concentrator module may include one or more filters for purifying at least one of the gas feed stream 10 or the water supply. The power requirement of the oxygen concentrator module may be 1.3 kW or less, or between 0.5 and 1.3 kW.

[0038] A method of concentrating oxygen includes concentrating oxygen from air using an oxygen concentrator module disclosed herein. The electrochemical cell 40 includes a cathode 34, an anode 54, a proton exchange membrane 42 located between the cathode 34 and the anode 54, a cathode chamber 32 located on the opposite side of the cathode 34 from the proton exchange membrane 42, and an anode chamber 52 located on the opposite side of the anode 54 from the proton exchange membrane 42. The method includes introducing a gas feed stream 10 to the cathode chamber 32 of the electrochemical cell 40, removing a concentrated oxygen stream 56 from the anode chamber 52, removing a separated water stream 96 from the cathode chamber 32, and directing the gas feed stream 10 to an enthalpy exchanger 20 upstream of the electrochemical cell 40 and hydrating the gas feed stream 10 in the enthalpy exchanger 20.

[0039] The method can include drying the enriched oxygen stream 56 in a dryer 60. Hydrating the gas feed stream 10 can include hydrating the gas feed stream 10 with a water recycle stream 80 from the dryer 60. Hydrating the gas feed stream 10 can include hydrating the gas feed stream 10 with a water stream from a water tank 90. ​​The method can include reducing the oxygen concentration of the enriched oxygen stream (56) by mixing the enriched oxygen stream (56) with a portion of the gas feed stream (10). The method can include directing the enriched oxygen stream to an oxygen storage tank (70). The method can include filtering one or more of the gas feed stream 10 or the enriched oxygen stream 56. The method can produce as much as 5.5 liters of pure oxygen per minute, or in other words, as much as 5.5 liters of pure oxygen can be removed from the oxygen concentrator module by removing the enriched oxygen stream 56.

[0040] The compositions, methods, and articles may alternatively comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable materials, steps, or ingredients disclosed herein. The compositions, methods, and articles may additionally, or alternatively, be formed so as to be free, or substantially free, of any materials (or species), steps, or ingredients that are not necessary to the function or accomplishment of the purpose of the compositions, methods, and articles.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "a," "an," "the," and "at least one" do not denote limitations of quantity and are intended to cover both the singular and plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "combination" includes blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. Additionally, "at least one" means that the list includes not only each element individually, but also combinations of two or more elements of the list, and combinations of at least one element of the list with similar elements not named.

[0042] The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References throughout this specification to "an embodiment," "another embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0043] The endpoints of all ranges directed to the same component or property are inclusive, independently combinable, and include all intermediate points and ranges. For example, the range "up to 25 vol.%, or from 5 to 20 vol.%" includes the endpoints of that range, such as from 10 to 23 vol.%, and all intermediate values ​​in the range "from 5 to 25 vol.%."

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0045] In the diagram, various other devices may be present, such as valves (such as pressure reducing valves), pumps, thermocouples, pressure regulators, etc. TS represents the stack temperature.

[0046] All cited patents, patent applications, and other publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, except that if a term in this application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, the term in this application will control over the conflicting term in the incorporated reference.

[0047] While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents may occur to applicant or those skilled in the art that are presently unforeseen or predictable, and it is accordingly intended that the appended claims, as filed and as they may be amended, shall embrace all such alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A cathode (34), an anode (54), a proton exchange membrane (42) positioned between the cathode (34) and the anode (54), a cathode side chamber (32) positioned on the side opposite to the proton exchange membrane (42) of the cathode (34), and an anode side chamber (52) positioned on the side opposite to the proton exchange membrane (42) of the anode (54), an electrochemical cell (40) comprising: A flow path of a gas supply flow (10) in fluid communication with the cathode side chamber (32); A flow path of a concentrated oxygen flow (56) in fluid communication with the anode side chamber (52) and removing the concentrated oxygen flow (56) from the anode side chamber (52); A flow path of a separated water flow (96) in fluid communication with the cathode side chamber (32) and removing the separated water flow (96) from the cathode side chamber (32); An enthalpy exchanger (20) in fluid communication with the cathode side chamber (32) via a flow path of an exchange flow (22). The flow path of the gas supply flow (10) is in fluid communication with the enthalpy exchanger (20) upstream of the electrochemical cell (40) to generate an exchange flow (22), an oxygen concentrator module.

2. The enthalpy exchanger (20) is a stack exchanger, The oxygen concentrator module according to claim 1, wherein the oxygen concentrator module comprises a stack of the electrochemical cell (40) and the stack exchanger.

3. Further comprising a dryer (60) in fluid communication with the anode side chamber (52) via the flow path of the concentrated oxygen flow (56), The oxygen concentrator module according to claim 1, wherein a flow path of a water recycle flow (80) is in fluid communication with the dryer (60) and one or both of the enthalpy exchanger (20) and the anode side chamber (52).

4. The oxygen concentrator module according to claim 1, further comprising a water tank (90) in fluid communication with the enthalpy exchanger (20).

5. further comprising a mixer (72), the mixer (72) is in fluid communication with the flow path of the gas supply stream (10) and the flow path of the concentrated oxygen stream (56), and the flow rates of the gas supply stream (10) and the concentrated oxygen stream are adjustable so as to be able to adjust the oxygen concentration of the output stream (78), the oxygen concentrator module according to claim 1.

6. The oxygen concentrator module according to claim 1, further comprising an oxygen tank (70) in fluid communication with the anode side chamber (52).

7. The oxygen concentrator module according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a blower (12), an air compressor (26), a compressed gas tank (2), and a pump configured to supply the gas supply stream (10) to the cathode side chamber.

8. The oxygen concentrator module according to claim 1, further comprising one or more filters for purifying at least one of the gas supply stream (10) or the supplied water.

9. The oxygen concentrator module has a power requirement of 1.3 kW or less, or 0.5 to 1.3 kW, the oxygen concentrator module according to claim 1.

10. A method for concentrating oxygen, the electrochemical cell (40) comprises a cathode (34), an anode (54), a proton exchange membrane (42) located between the cathode (34) and the anode (54), a cathode side chamber (32) located on the opposite side of the proton exchange membrane (42) of the cathode (34), and an anode side chamber (52) located on the opposite side of the proton exchange membrane (42) of the anode (54), the method comprising: Introducing a gas supply stream (10) into the cathode side chamber (32) of the electrochemical cell (40); Removing a concentrated oxygen stream (56) from the anode side chamber (52); Removing a separated water stream (96) from the cathode side chamber (32); Guiding the gas supply stream (10) to an enthalpy exchanger (20) upstream of the electrochemical cell (40) and hydrating the gas supply stream (10) within the enthalpy exchanger (20); A method of using the oxygen concentrator module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Further comprising drying the concentrated oxygen stream (56) with a dryer (60); The method according to claim 10, wherein hydrating the gas supply stream (10) includes hydrating the gas supply stream (10) with a water recycle stream (80) from the dryer (60).

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein hydrating the gas supply stream (10) includes hydrating the gas supply stream (10) with a water stream from a water tank (90).

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising reducing the oxygen concentration of the concentrated oxygen stream (56) by mixing the concentrated oxygen stream (56) with a portion of the gas supply stream (10).

14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising guiding the concentrated oxygen stream to an oxygen storage tank (70).

15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising filtering one or more of the gas supply stream (10) and the concentrated oxygen stream (56).

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein removing the concentrated oxygen stream (56) removes up to 5.5 liters of pure oxygen per minute.

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