Membrane contactor-based air conditioning system

Abstract

This invention relates to a modular membrane contactor-based air conditioning system for using membrane contactor technology in HVAC equipment or as a standalone cooling and / or humidifying device. [Solution] The air conditioning unit (400) includes an air passage (408) configured to guide an airflow (115, 105) in a certain direction. The air conditioning unit also includes an evaporative cooling membrane panel (100) which includes a surface (113) positioned within the air passage (408) and at an oblique angle (409) to that direction. The surface is defined by microporous fibers (104) of the evaporative cooling membrane panel. Each microporous fiber is configured to receive liquid into the fluid passage of the microporous fiber so that the airflow (115, 105) on the microporous fiber generates vapor. Each microporous fiber is also configured to release vapor into the airflow (115, 105) through the pores of the microporous fiber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 147,420, titled "MEMBRANE - CONTACTOR - BASED AIR CONDITIONER", filed on February 9, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] This section intends to introduce readers to various aspects of the technology that may be relevant to the various aspects of the present disclosure described below. This discussion is considered to be useful in providing background information to the reader to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should be read from this perspective and should not be read as an approval of the prior art.

[0003] HVAC equipment and stand - alone cooling devices such as air handling units, local air coolers, fan walls, and building systems face many design constraints during development. The air supplied through such equipment needs to meet strict design specifications, minimize the installation area to save on - site space, and optimize the overall energy consumption. As a result, designers need to carefully select any component inside the equipment to meet these and other constraints.

[0004] Therefore, due to its lower energy consumption compared to other cooling methods, the use of evaporative cooling technology has increased in recent years. Evaporative coolers lower the temperature of an airflow by introducing water particles and subsequent evaporation. These components have been shown to be particularly useful when inlet air conditions are dry and warm. Conventional evaporative coolers generally consist of an evaporation medium, an assembly for holding the medium in place, a feed water reservoir, and a water distribution system. Water is piped from the reservoir to the top of the evaporation medium, and as the water is discharged downward by gravity, some of the water is absorbed by the evaporation medium and the rest returns to the feed water reservoir. As air passes through this wet medium, the water evaporates into the airflow, and it is this process that adiabatically cools the air. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Conventional evaporative coolers have several drawbacks. For example, conventional evaporative coolers are susceptible to water carryover. Water carryover is a process in which air passing through the evaporative medium draws excess water droplets into the air, resulting in an unintended accumulation of water in the downstream region. This process becomes more pronounced at high air velocities. Furthermore, the evaporative medium in a conventional evaporative cooler may be oriented roughly perpendicular to the airflow passing through the medium so that the pressure and velocity profiles across the medium are substantially uniform. This orientation can reduce water carryover but increases the size of the conventional evaporative cooler. The relatively large size of conventional evaporative coolers can be further exacerbated by including a containment device below the evaporative medium to collect water when water is supplied gravity downwards, and by using a mist remover configured to absorb water carried through the air downstream of the evaporative medium. The mist remover also generates a pressure drop, which leads to increased power requirements and a corresponding decrease in overall efficiency for conventional evaporative coolers.

[0006] Furthermore, conventional evaporative coolers may require the use of relatively clean water to reduce mineral deposits commonly known as "scale" buildup. Because it is susceptible to mineral deposits, it may require time-consuming maintenance techniques and / or excessive water replacement. Furthermore, conventional evaporative coolers have limitations in their ability to precisely control the temperature and humidity of the supply air. Generally, exhaust air can be controlled by turning the conventional evaporative cooler on or off depending on temperature or humidity requirements. That is, the delivery of water to the evaporative medium can be enabled when the conventional evaporative cooler is on and disabled when the evaporative cooler is off. However, the evaporative medium remains wet for a certain period even after the conventional evaporative cooler is switched off, which can generate additional cooling and humidification, contributing to the control of the conventional evaporative cooler's latency. Moreover, once the medium is wet, the amount of water evaporating into the airflow is entirely dependent on the inflow air conditions. For the reasons mentioned above, it is recognized here that improved evaporative cooling systems and methods are desirable in particular. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An overview of specific embodiments disclosed herein is provided below. It should be understood that these embodiments are presented solely to provide the reader with a brief overview of these specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may encompass a variety of embodiments not described below.

[0008] In one embodiment, the air conditioning system includes an airflow channel configured to direct airflow in a certain direction. The air conditioning system also includes an evaporative cooling membrane panel, which is positioned within the airflow channel and at an oblique angle to that direction. The surface is defined by microporous fibers of the evaporative cooling membrane panel. Each microporous fiber is configured to receive liquid in a fluid channel of the microporous fiber so that the airflow over the microporous fiber generates vapor. Each microporous fiber is also configured to release vapor into the airflow through the pores of the microporous fiber.

[0009] In another embodiment, the air conditioning system includes an airflow channel configured to guide an airflow in a certain direction, and an evaporative cooling panel positioned within the airflow channel. The membrane of the evaporative cooling panel is defined by microporous fibers, each microporous fiber including a fluidflow channel configured to allow a fluid to pass through therein, and pores configured to prevent the fluid in liquid form from passing through the pores, but to allow the fluid in vapor form to pass through the pores. The surfaces of the membrane are positioned at an oblique angle to its direction. The surfaces are configured to facilitate the passage of the airflow over the microporous fibers, the generation of vapor from the liquid within the microporous fibers based on heat exchange between the fluid and the airflow, and the release of vapor into the airflow through the pores.

[0010] In another embodiment, the air conditioning system includes a first evaporative cooling membrane panel positioned in an airflow channel configured to receive airflow through it, a second evaporative cooling membrane panel positioned in the airflow channel, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the movement of the first evaporative cooling membrane panel, the second evaporative cooling membrane panel, or both, to create an open configuration in which a gap is formed in the airflow channel. The gap is configured to receive a portion of the airflow so that a portion of the airflow bypasses the first and second evaporative cooling membrane panels. The controller is also configured to control the movement of the first evaporative cooling membrane panel, the second evaporative cooling membrane panel, or both, to create a closed configuration in which the gap is removed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] Various aspects of this disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description and referring to the drawings.

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an isometric view of the downstream side of an individual membrane contactor panel, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, including a panel frame, a plurality of hollow fibers, and one possible configuration for a water inlet port and a water outlet port. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the upstream side of an individual membrane contactor panel, including a panel frame, a plurality of hollow fibers, and one possible configuration for a water inlet port and a water outlet port, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view showing the water-air membrane interface of microporous hollow fibers present within an individual membrane contactor panel, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is an isometric view of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, incorporating a matrix of membrane contactor panels, a housing for framing and supporting the panels, and one possible configuration for water distribution piping connected to each panel. [Figure 5] This is an isometric view of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, which has an optional water storage tank attached to the bottom of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system and provides means for recirculating water to the membrane contactor panel for the purpose of reducing the overall amount of water used. [Figure 6] An isometric view of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, having an optional water storage tank located remotely (i.e., externally) for the dual purpose of recirculating water to membrane contactor panels to reduce water usage and minimize the overall size of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system. [Figure 7] An isometric view of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in which the matrix of membrane contactor panels is banked in a vertical plane to increase the usable surface area of ​​the membrane contactor panels within the overall housing. [Figure 8]Figure 4 is an isometric view of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system, as shown in one aspect of the present disclosure, having a matrix of membrane contactor panels banked horizontally to increase the usable surface area of ​​the membrane contactor panels within the overall housing. [Figure 9] This is an isometric view of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system, which incorporates the use of a horizontal bypass damper according to one aspect of the present disclosure, to provide improved control of the airflow passing through the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system. [Figure 10] This is an isometric view of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system, which incorporates the use of a vertical bypass damper according to one aspect of the present disclosure, to provide improved control of the airflow passing through the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system. [Figure 11] This is an isometric view of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in which the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system is incorporated into a duct system. [Figure 12] This is a diagram of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in which the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system is incorporated into an air handling unit (AHU). [Figure 13] This is a diagram of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in which the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system is oriented in a V-bank array within an air handling unit (AHU). [Figure 14] This is a diagram of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in which the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system is oriented in a plurality of V-bank arrays within an air handling unit (AHU). [Figure 15] This is a diagram of a membrane contactor-based air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in which the membrane contactor-based air conditioner is incorporated into an air handling unit (AHU) such that the direction of the airflow through the membrane contactor panel is parallel to the direction of gravity, emphasizing the ability of the membrane contactor-based air conditioner to be oriented in any direction. [Figure 16]A diagram of a possible piping scheme for individual membrane contactor panels, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, in which a single supply water line and a single return water line are each routed to an individual membrane contactor panel. [Figure 17] A diagram of a possible piping scheme for a plurality of membrane contactor panels routed in series, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, in which a single supply water line and a single return water line are each transmitted to and received from a membrane contactor panel. [Figure 18] A diagram of a possible piping scheme for a plurality of membrane contactor panels routed in both series and parallel, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, in which a supply distribution manifold delivers water to a plurality of membrane contactor panels and a return water manifold discharges water from the plurality of membrane contactor panels for recirculation and / or drainage, and the possible piping scheme allows each individual group of membrane contactor panels to be selectively activated and deactivated. [Figure 19] A diagram of a possible piping scheme for a plurality of membrane contactor panels routed in parallel, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, in which a common supply distribution manifold delivers water to a plurality of supply water branch pipes, which then deliver water to a plurality of membrane contactor panels, and a plurality of return water branch pipes receive return water from the plurality of membrane contactor panels and discharge it to a common return water manifold for final recirculation and / or drainage, and the possible piping scheme allows each individual group of membrane contactor panels to be selectively activated and deactivated. [Figure 20] A diagram of a possible piping scheme for a plurality of membrane contactor panels individually routed to an independent water supply source and a possible independent drainage source, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, which allows each individual membrane contactor panel to be selectively activated and deactivated. [Figure 21] A piping scheme for any water storage tank, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, in which a makeup water line connects the feed water to a storage tank, a feed water line distributes water from the tank to a membrane contactor panel, a return line returns water from the membrane contactor panel to the storage tank, and a drain line enables drainage of the storage tank. [Figure 22] Schematic diagram showing a matrix of membrane contact panels in which a particular membrane contact panel is selectively actuated to condition air, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] Diagram of possible features of a membrane contact-based air conditioner in which two or more physically different matrices of membrane contact panels intersect at a common interface and each of them is hinged to an axis that allows rotation about the axis by use of an actuator. [Figure 24] Diagram of possible features of a membrane contact-based air conditioner in which two or more physically different matrices of membrane contact panels intersect at a common interface and each of them is connected to an axis that allows translation along the axis by use of an actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These embodiments described are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation may be described herein. In the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, in order to achieve the developer-specific goals, many implementation-specific decisions may vary for each implementation, such as compliance with system-related and industry-related constraints. It should be understood that it is necessary to make such decisions. Furthermore, although such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, it should be understood that for those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure, it will be a well-defined job of design, fabrication, and manufacture.

[0014] When introducing elements of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to indicate that one or more of the elements exist. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be comprehensive and mean that additional elements other than those enumerated may exist. In addition, it should be understood that any reference in this disclosure to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that similarly incorporate the enumerated features.

[0015] This disclosure is intended for use in HVAC equipment or as an independent cooling and / or humidifying device. The present disclosure relates to modular membrane contactor-based air conditioning systems for use. In particular, the present disclosure relates to evaporative cooling, humidification, and other such processes for supplying conditioned air for use in applications including, but not limited to, building rooms, data center server rooms, agricultural facilities, and industrial processes.

[0016] Evaporative cooling technology has seen increased use in recent years due to its lower energy consumption compared to other cooling methods. Evaporative coolers lower the temperature of an airflow by introducing water particles and subsequent evaporation. These components have been shown to be particularly useful when inlet air conditions are dry and warm. Conventional evaporative coolers generally consist of an evaporation medium, an assembly to hold the medium in place, a feed water reservoir, and a water distribution system. Water is piped from the reservoir to the top of the evaporation medium, and as the water is discharged downward by gravity, some of the water is absorbed by the evaporation medium and the rest returns to the feed water reservoir. As air passes through this wet medium, the water evaporates into the airflow, and it is this process that adiabatically cools the air.

[0017] One drawback of conventional evaporative cooling systems is their size. The need for containment devices to collect water drained beneath the evaporative medium means that these devices tend to occupy more space than other standard cooling methods such as chilled water coils. Further exacerbating this size problem is the fact that conventional evaporative mediums are susceptible to "water carryover" at high face velocities. Water carryover is the process by which air passing through the evaporative medium draws excess water droplets into the air, resulting in an unintended accumulation of water in the downstream region. At high air velocities, this process becomes more pronounced. As a result, the face area of ​​conventional evaporative coolers tends to increase to reduce face velocities, thereby further increasing the overall footprint. Water carryover can be resolved by certain existing solutions, such as the use of "mist removers" that absorb any water carried by the air. However, this extra material in the air path increases the power requirements of the cooler, thereby reducing its overall efficiency.

[0018] Furthermore, conventional evaporation media need to be used with relatively clean water to function properly. When water evaporates into the airflow, it leaves behind mineral deposits commonly known as "scale" buildup. As water flows continuously over the medium, these minerals are redissolved into the system's water. If the concentration of dissolved minerals is too high, the rate of scale formation and corrosion increases, reducing the lifespan of the medium and the entire system. To avoid these problems, conventional evaporative coolers periodically drain a portion of the feedwater and replace it with clean, fresh water. The need to periodically "drain" water to maintain high water quality means that conventional evaporative coolers waste a large amount of water throughout their lifespan, leading to reduced operational and environmental efficiency.

[0019] Another drawback of conventional evaporative coolers is that the medium must be carefully installed and maintained for proper functioning. If the medium is improperly installed, water carryover can occur. This happens because any gaps in the medium generate high-speed air, which draws large amounts of water downstream. Furthermore, improper installation of the medium can degrade the performance of the evaporative cooler. Since the medium is designed to provide a certain amount of adiabatic cooling to meet design requirements, improper installation will result in a lower cooling capacity than designed. In addition, conventional evaporative media are susceptible to maintenance problems such as biological growth. Biological growth in the context of evaporative media requires several factors, including a humid environment and the availability of minerals and nutrients. Because conventional media are continuously moistened with water containing dissolved minerals, biological growth can easily occur if left untreated for extended periods. To avoid this, strict maintenance procedures must be followed. For example, some manufacturers suggest periodically drying the medium, but this takes up valuable time for cooling and humidifying the airflow. Some suggest using cleaning agents, but these are chemically modified... This is also imperfect, as the water needs to be drained after use, leading to further water waste and other potential environmental impacts.

[0020] In addition, conventional evaporative coolers can only exist in a limited number of orientations, and in all of these orientations, water must be sprayed onto the top of the medium and dripped into the supply reservoir below.

[0021] Furthermore, conventional evaporative coolers have limitations in their ability to precisely control the temperature and humidity of the supply air. Simply put, exhaust air can be controlled by turning the entire evaporative cooler on or off depending on temperature or humidity requirements. The evaporative cooler switches on when the supply air temperature exceeds a threshold or the humidity falls below a threshold. Conversely, the evaporative cooler switches off when the temperature falls below a threshold or the humidity exceeds a threshold. However, this setting is not entirely functional because the medium remains wet even after the evaporative cooler is turned off. Because it takes considerable time for the medium to dry, the air continues to be cooled and / or humidified beyond the required amount for a long time after the evaporative cooler is turned off, resulting in a high degree of control latency associated with these conventional evaporative cooling systems. To solve this problem, bypass dampers can be added. These allow some air to completely "bypass" the evaporative cooler, providing more granular control over supply air conditions. However, bypass dampers occupy additional space within the system, further increasing the footprint of the design. Another way to control the outflow air conditions is to provide "multistage" within the evaporative cooler. Multistage is a design feature that allows the evaporative cooler to activate / wet specific sections of the medium independently of any other sections of the medium. Each independent section of the medium is known as a "stage." This allows the control system to be turned on in stages, thereby providing more granular control over cooling capacity and water consumption compared to single-stage coolers. However, multistage in conventional evaporative coolers is imperfect because the aforementioned control latency problem arises when an evaporative cooler stage is turned off. Furthermore, since water must be discharged downward by gravity, the medium can only be divided vertically. This significantly limits the number of cooling stage configurations and the total number of stages per configuration that can actually be built. Finally, conventional evaporative coolers do not provide a way to control the evaporation rate. Once the medium is wet, the amount of water that evaporates into the airflow depends entirely on the condition of the incoming air.

[0022] Membrane contactor panels composed of multiple microporous hollow fibers are known in the art (e.g., 3M® media utilizing CELGARD® microporous hollow fibers). Such membrane contactor panels have internal cavities through which water can flow. The walls of the microporous hollow fibers are permeable only to water in vapor form, and liquid water cannot escape the walls of the microporous hollow fibers and mix directly with the surrounding gas flow. When water vapor escapes the walls of the microporous hollow fibers through the pores in the walls, it comes into direct contact with the gas flow, resulting in the transfer of mass and energy. This is in contrast to conventional evaporation media where liquid water wetting the surface of the medium evaporates directly into the surrounding gas flow.

[0023] The purpose of this disclosure is to integrate membrane contactor technology into membrane contactor-based air conditioning systems that can be used in HVAC equipment or as independent cooling and / or humidifying devices.

[0024] This disclosure relates to the integration of independent, modular membrane contactor panels, enabling different embodiments of membrane contactor-based air conditioning systems that can be custom assembled in any combination of vertical or horizontal bank configurations and orientations and can be adapted to a number of applications. The systems currently disclosed maximize the exposed surface area in contact with the airflow for a given system dimensions and installation area, allow for a number of airflow patterns at angles of airflow direction that are not necessarily aligned with or parallel to the horizontal plane, and enable arbitrary membrane contactor panel sizes and This enables the use of standardized, independent components that facilitate the infinite scalability of the device for accepting volume, promote economies of scale in components, increase design diversity, and improve ease of assembly.

[0025] Furthermore, the system disclosed herein avoids the risk of water droplet carryover and eliminates the need for a “mist remover” that increases the overall power consumption of the system. The system disclosed herein improves cooling efficiency by minimizing water usage through precise control of modular membrane contactor panels. Sections or matrices of membrane contactor panels can be selectively actuated and deacted using actuators to move in and out of the airflow, providing infinite cooling capacity control that better matches the cooling demands of fluctuating applications with reduced control latency. Moreover, the modular design of this disclosure facilitates compatibility between modular membrane contactor panels and reduces interdependence between components within the assembly, allowing individual modules to be easily decoupled from the overall assembly. This allows for maintenance, repair, or replacement of the membrane contactor panels on a component-by-component basis, reducing the overall system lifecycle service cost and service time of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system.

[0026] In general, this disclosure solves problems associated with conventional evaporative coolers by employing a membrane contactor medium in an air conditioning system. For example, by using a medium that utilizes microporous hollow fibers, it becomes possible to transfer mass and energy when water vaporizes from the microporous hollow fiber walls into a gas flowing over the fibers. Furthermore, since only water vapor exits the microporous hollow fibers, the risk of liquid water carrying over and being present in the gas flow is limited.

[0027] Figure 1 shows individual membrane contactor panels 100 suitable for use in this disclosure. Figure 1 shows the downstream side of the membrane contactor panel 100 (for example, with respect to the direction of airflow). The membrane contactor panel 100 comprises a frame 101, a water outlet port 102, a water inlet port 103, and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers 104 supported by a fabric or other means. The airflow 105 represents regulated exhaust air exiting the membrane contactor panel 100. Water enters the membrane contactor panel through the water inlet port 103, is distributed into the cavities of each individual microporous hollow fiber 104, and is discharged together through the water outlet port 102. 106 represents the water inlet flow, 107 represents the water flowing through the plurality of microporous hollow fibers 104, and 108 represents the drain outlet flow. Figure 1 shows one possible configuration in which the water inlet port 103 is located at the bottom of the membrane contactor panel and the water outlet port 102 is located at the top of the membrane contactor panel. However, it should be noted that the positions of the water inlet port 103 and the water outlet port 102 may be in other relative orientations or positions on the membrane contactor panel frame 101. The direction of the water flow 107 through the multiple microporous hollow fibers depends on the positions of the water inlet and water outlet, as well as the orientation of the microporous hollow fibers.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiments, the membrane contactor panel 100 includes a downstream surface 109 through which an exhaust (or regulated) airflow 105 passes. The downstream surface 109 may be formed of a plurality of microporous hollow fibers 104 and a fabric (or other means) used to support the microporous hollow fibers 104. While the downstream surface 109 generally extends along a plane, it should be understood that the downstream surface 109 may not form a perfect plane (for example, due to the curvature of each microporous hollow fiber 104, the undulation of the fabric (or other means)). Furthermore, it should be understood that screens, meshes, or other components of the membrane contactor panel 100 may be located downstream of the downstream surface 109. For example, a frame 101 may extend further downstream than the microporous hollow fibers 104 of the downstream surface 109. As will be understood in view of the following drawings and corresponding descriptions, according to this disclosure, the downstream surface 109 may be oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the direction of airflow through the membrane contactor panel 100.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the upstream side of the membrane contactor panel 100 (e.g., with respect to the direction of airflow). In the exemplary embodiment, the membrane contactor panel 100 includes an upstream surface 113 configured to receive an incoming (or unregulated) airflow 115. The upstream surface 113 may be formed by a plurality of microporous hollow fibers 104 and a fabric (or other means) used to support the microporous hollow fibers 104. While the upstream surface 113 generally extends along a plane, it should be understood that the upstream surface 113 may not form a perfect plane (e.g., due to the curvature of each microporous hollow fiber 104, the undulation of the fabric (or other means), etc.). Furthermore, it should be understood that screens, meshes, or other components of the membrane contactor panel 100 may be located downstream of the upstream surface 113. For example, a frame 101 may extend further downstream than the microporous hollow fibers 104 of the upstream surface 113. As can be understood in view of the following drawings and corresponding descriptions, according to this disclosure, the upstream surface 113 may be oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the direction of airflow through the membrane contactor panel 100.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an enlarged cross-section of a single microporous hollow fiber 104. A water flow 107 (in the liquid phase) moves through the microporous hollow fiber cavity 112 and is contained within a volume enclosed by the microporous hollow fiber wall 110. An unregulated (or intake) airflow 115 is directed to the microporous hollow fiber 104. Where ambient conditions permit, the liquid water evaporates into the airflow (outside the microporous hollow fiber wall 110) by undergoing a phase change. The water vapor 114 exits the microporous hollow fiber cavity 112 through multiple pores 111 and comes into direct contact with the surrounding air. The water vapor mixes with the surrounding air, adiabatically cooling and / or humidifying the airflow. This results in the exhausted airflow 105 being regulated from the surface of the membrane contactor panel 100.

[0031] A membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 200 of the present disclosure is shown in Figure 4. The membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 200 includes a matrix of membrane contactor panels 205, a housing structure 206, a water inlet port 202 attached to a supply water distribution manifold 204, and a water outlet port 201 connected to a return water collection manifold 203. In this embodiment, the matrix of membrane contactor panels 205 is installed in a flat bank configuration within a structured matrix, however, the individual membrane contactor panels of the present disclosure can be changed to various orientations and configurations, as outlined in subsequent figures. The water inlet 202 supplies water to the matrix of membrane contactor panels 205 via the supply water distribution manifold 204, and conversely, the return water collection manifold 203 collects water flowing out of the matrix of membrane contactor panels 205 and discharges it via the water outlet port 201. Figure 4 shows one possible configuration in which the water inlet port 202 is located at the bottom of the membrane contactor base air conditioner and the water outlet port 201 is located at the top of the membrane contactor base air conditioner. However, it should be noted that the positions of the water inlet port 202 and the water outlet port 201 may be in other relative orientations or positions on the membrane contactor base air conditioner housing structure 206. Furthermore, water flows through the hollow fibers in each membrane contactor panel 205 using a fluid transfer device (e.g., a pump) located outside the membrane contactor base air conditioner 200. As air flows through the matrix of the membrane contactor panel 205, the air comes into contact with the outer surface of the fibers and is then cooled and / or humidified to the required supply air conditions. A portion of the water flowing through the hollow membrane fibers evaporates into the airflow in the form of water vapor through the pores in the fiber walls. The airflow 105 represents the regulated exhaust air. The membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 200 is a self-contained and self-supporting unit that can be incorporated into air handling systems or other evaporative cooling and / or humidification applications in various orientations.

[0032] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 200, in which a water storage tank 210 is mounted on the base of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system housing structure 206. The water storage tank 210 provides a means for collecting water discharged from the matrix of the membrane contactor panel 205 and recirculating it to the membrane contactor panel 205. To this end, the water flows from the water storage tank 210 to the supply water distribution manifold 204 by the action of a fluid transfer device (e.g., a pump) 212. Once in the supply water distribution manifold 204, the water flows to the membrane contactor The water is distributed to the diaphragm panel 205 and circulates within the hollow fibers of the membrane contactor panel 205. The water is then discharged from the membrane contactor panel 205 to the return water collection manifold 203. The water returns from the return water collection manifold to the storage tank 210. As the water follows this circulation pattern, the airflow 105 moves through the membrane contactor panel and is regulated in the process. Furthermore, it should be noted that, as illustrated, Figure 5 shows a removable cover 211 located on top of the storage tank 210. In one embodiment, the cover 211 may be left in place to protect the water source from any contaminants. However, in another embodiment, the cover 211 may be removed to leave the water open to the environment. If necessary, the water can be discharged from the storage tank to an external site drainage system via the outlet 213, and fresh make-up water can be added from the supply source inlet 214 to replenish the water that flows out through the evaporation process and drainage. Additional details regarding the piping components of this storage tank are shown in Figure 21.

[0033] Another embodiment of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 200 is shown in Figure 6, in which a remote water storage tank 220 is connected to the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 200. This embodiment is in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, in which the storage tank is not located at a separate location but is rather mounted directly beneath the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system housing structure 206. Similar to Figure 5, in this embodiment, the connected remote water storage tank 220 provides a means for collecting water discharged from the matrix of the membrane contactor panel 205 for potential recirculation. However, the design shown in Figure 6 offers additional advantages, and for a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system of the same overall size, the remote water storage tank 220 is in a physically different location, resulting in a greater surface area available to the matrix of the membrane contactor panel 205 in Figure 6 compared to Figure 5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, water flows from the remote water storage tank 220 into the supply water distribution manifold 204 via a water inlet port 202. The water is then distributed to the matrix of the membrane contactor panel 205 and subsequently discharged to the return water collection manifold 203. From there, the water travels through the drain port 201 and returns to the remote water storage tank 220. If necessary, the water can be discharged from the remote water storage tank 220 to an external site drainage system via the tank water outlet 222. Fresh make-up water can then enter through the tank water inlet 221 to replenish the lost water. Additional details regarding the piping components of this remote storage tank are shown in Figure 21.

[0034] Another embodiment of the membrane contactor-based air conditioner 200 is shown in Figure 7, in which the membrane contactor panel 205 is oriented within a matrix that is banked in a V-shape within a vertical plane. The membrane contactor-based air conditioner 200 comprises a housing bounded by surfaces 230, 231, 232, and 233 that act to house and support the membrane contactor panel 205. Furthermore, there is an additional vertical support 234 extending from the top surface of the membrane contactor-based air conditioner 230 to the bottom surface of the membrane contactor-based air conditioner 232. These supports provide further vibration damping to the membrane contactor panel and further seal the interface where the two membrane contactor panels contact at a certain angle. In doing so, ensure that the airflow 105 passes through the membrane contactor panel rather than circulating around them at the connecting interface. In one embodiment, water enters the membrane contactor base air conditioning unit 200 at a water inlet port 202, is distributed to the membrane contactor panels in multiple ways (as detailed in subsequent figures), and then leaves the membrane contactor base air conditioning unit 200 at a water outlet port 201. In another embodiment, the water inlet port 202 and the water outlet port 201 may be reversed or oriented relative to each other in any possible configuration.

[0035] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 200, which is the same in detail as Figure 7, except that the membrane contactor panel 205 is banked in a V-shape in the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the support 240 runs in the width direction across the unit from left 231 to right 233 along the interface where the two membrane contactor panels contact at a certain angle. In another possible embodiment, the water inlet and water outlet ports are reversed.

[0036] Another embodiment of the membrane contactor-based air conditioner 200 is shown in Figure 9, in which an air bypass damper 250 is incorporated into the housing 206 of the membrane contactor-based air conditioner. As the airflow approaches the membrane contactor-based air conditioner 200, the device now has two paths through which it can potentially pass. When the air bypass damper 250 is fully closed, the airflow 105 moves strictly through the matrix of the membrane contactor panel 205, as before. However, when the air bypass damper 250 is opened, the bypass air 252 passes through the air bypass damper 250 and is discharged unregulated from the membrane contactor-based air conditioner 200, while the remaining portion of the air 105 moves through the membrane contactor panel 205. When the damper is fully open, the maximum amount of bypass air 252 (depending on the design size) passes through the air bypass damper 250, and the reduced airflow 105 passes through the membrane contactor panel 205. The controller 254 in Figure 9 includes a memory 256 and a processor 258. The memory 256 contains instructions stored therein that, when executed by the processor 258, cause the processor 258 to perform various functions. The controller 254 may be used, for example, to open and close a bypass damper 250. In some embodiments, the controller 254 may be communicatively coupled to a sensor 259 configured to detect one or more operating conditions of the air conditioner 200. For example, the sensor 259 may detect airflow temperature, airflow velocity, airflow pressure, airflow humidity, power consumption of the air conditioner 200, operating efficiency of the air conditioner 200, noise level of the air conditioner 200, etc. The controller 254 may receive data indicating one or more operating conditions of the air conditioner 200 and determine the position of the bypass damper 250 based on the sensor data.

[0037] In one embodiment, water enters the supply water distribution manifold 204 through the water inlet port 202. The water then circulates through the membrane contactor panel and exits into the return water collection manifold 203. Finally, the water exits through the drain port 201. In another possible embodiment, the water inlet and water outlet ports are reversed. Another embodiment of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 200 is shown in Figure 10, with the same details as in Figure 9 except that the air bypass damper 260 is positioned vertically here.

[0038] The embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 10 should be viewed not as separate designs, but rather as a subset of several possible features, not explicitly shown, that constitute the base design of the embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0039] Any one feature shown in the above diagram can be combined with any other feature to manufacture a unique and customized membrane contactor-based air conditioning system for a desired application. For example, a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system may have a mounted storage tank, a V-bank membrane contactor panel in a vertical plane, and a vertical bypass damper, or any combination thereof.

[0040] Further embodiments and possible applications of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 300 in a duct system 301 according to the present disclosure are shown in Figure 11. The membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 300 comprises a duct housing 302 including membrane contactor panels 303 and 305 oriented in a V-bank configuration. An airflow 105 travels through the duct system 301 and then through the membrane contactor panels 303 and 305. As the airflow 105 passes through these membrane contactor panels, the air is simultaneously cooled and humidified by interaction with a fluid moving within the membrane contactor panels. In one embodiment, the fluid enters the membrane contactor panels (303 and 305) via a water inlet port 307, circulates within the membrane contactor panels, and then exits via a water outlet port 308. In another embodiment, the fluid may instead enter at 308 and exit through 307. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the membrane contactor panel can be supported by a horizontal support member 304, which is used for cooling These support members help to support the membrane contactor panels and hold them in place. Furthermore, the horizontal support members 304 are themselves supported by optional vertical support members 306, which provide rigidity to the configuration. Although this embodiment shows a membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 300 in a rectangular duct system 301, it should not be limited to a rectangular duct system only; rather, the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 300 can be applied in any shape, material, orientation, or any duct system of the description.

[0041] Further embodiments and possible applications of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system of the present disclosure, in which a membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 404 is incorporated within an air handling unit (AHU) 400, are shown in Figure 12. In this embodiment, the air handling unit is defined by its outer casing 402. Unregulated airflow 115 enters through an opening 401, travels through a set of filters 403, and then enters the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 404. As the air passes through the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 404, it is cooled and / or humidified and exits the system as regulated air 105. The regulated air is then drawn into an air transport device (e.g., a fan) 405 and then exits the AHU 400 through an opening 406. Only one membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 404 extending from side to side of the AHU 400 is shown here, but other configurations are possible. These include, but are not limited to, two membrane contactor-based air conditioning units arranged in a linear parallel configuration, or three membrane contactor-based air conditioning units arranged in a linear parallel configuration. Furthermore, multiple membrane contactor-based air conditioning units can be installed in series with respect to the direction of airflow.

[0042] Further embodiments and possible applications of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system of the present disclosure, in which the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 404 is incorporated into an air handling unit (AHU) 400, similar to Figure 12, are shown in Figure 13. The difference between the embodiment shown in Figure 13 and the embodiment shown in Figure 12 is that the membrane contactor-based air conditioning system 404 in the embodiment shown in Figure 13 is banked at an angle and intersects at a common interface.

[0043] For example, each membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 404 in Figure 13 may include one or more membrane contactor panels 100 (for example, shown in detail in Figures 1 and 2). As shown, the incoming (or unregulated) airflow 115 is guided in the airflow direction 407 through a channel 407 defined by the outer casing 402 (or enclosure) of the AHU 400. Note that the airflow direction 407 may correspond to the average or general airflow direction through the channel 408, and the movement of specific individual particles in the airflow 115 may differ. As shown, each membrane contactor panel 100 may be oriented at an oblique angle 409 with respect to the airflow direction 407. For example, the upstream surface 113 of a membrane contactor panel 100 may be oriented at an oblique angle 409 with respect to the airflow direction 407. In the exemplary embodiments, the downstream surface 109 of the membrane contactor panel 100 is also oriented at an oblique angle 409 with respect to the airflow direction 407. The orientation of the membrane contactor panel 100 at an oblique angle 409 with respect to the airflow direction 407 (or V-banked) is also shown in at least Figures 7, 8, 11, and 14 of this disclosure. The currently disclosed example of the AHU 400 in Figure 13 is non-limiting, and it should be understood that orienting the membrane contactor panel 100 at an oblique angle 409 with respect to the airflow direction 407 is applicable in the context of other air conditioning systems, including but not limited to diffusers, induction displacement units, terminal units, localized air coolers, fan walls, data center systems, and building systems.

[0044] The advantage of arranging the two banked membrane contactor-based air conditioning units 404 within the AHU 400 (for example, at an oblique angle 409) is that it allows for an increase in the surface area of ​​the membrane contactor panel 100. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the unregulated airflow 115 enters the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 400 and passes through a set of filters 403. Note that filter 403 may not include a mist remover. That is, the illustrated embodiment may omit a mist remover in accordance with this disclosure. A mist remover may be used in a conventional evaporative cooling system due to associated water carryover, but such a mist remover may increase the pressure drop of the conventional system (thus increasing power consumption and decreasing efficiency). The disclosed system is less affected by water carryover and therefore does not require a mist remover.

[0045] After the airflow 115 passes through the membrane contactor base air conditioner 404 and the filter 403, the airflow 115 is then split, with a portion of the air passing through one banked membrane contactor base air conditioner and the remaining air passing through the other. After leaving the membrane contactor base air conditioner 404, the regulated airflow 105 is drawn into the air transfer device 405 and then discharged from the AHU 400 through the opening 406.

[0046] Figure 14 shows further embodiments and possible applications of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 404 located within an air handling unit (AHU) 400. The difference between the embodiment shown in Figure 14 and the embodiment shown in Figure 13 is that the embodiment shown in Figure 14 includes multiple V-banked membrane contactor-based air conditioning units 404 located within the air handling unit 400.

[0047] Further embodiments and possible applications of a membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 404, which is located within an air handling unit (AHU) 400, are shown in Figure 15. In this embodiment, the AHU 400 is vertically oriented with its base 410 sitting on the ground / base 411. Furthermore, the unregulated airflow 115 that leads into the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 404 is parallel to the direction of gravity. The regulated airflow 105 exits the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 404 parallel to the direction of gravity, is then pulled to the right by an air transport device (e.g., a fan) 405, and is discharged through an opening 406. This vertical orientation of the AHU 400 indicates that the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit may be oriented so that its surface area is perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure in which the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 404 is incorporated within an air handling unit (AHU) are not limited to the designs shown in Figures 12–15. Rather, these figures illustrate possible applications, all of which can be infinitely extended and constructed. Furthermore, these figures show that the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit can operate in any orientation, including when its surface area is parallel to the direction of gravity, perpendicular to the direction of gravity, or any orientation in between.

[0049] A piping system 500 for an individual membrane contactor panel 504 is shown in Figure 16. An individual membrane contactor panel 504 may be installed in any of the embodiments described above in this disclosure. The piping system comprises a water supply line 501 routed to a water inlet port 503 of an individual membrane contactor panel 504, a water return line 506 routed from a water outlet port 505 of an individual membrane contactor panel 504, and a control valve 502. The water supply line 501 distributes water pumped from an upstream water source (not shown in Figure 16) to the individual membrane contactor panel 504. The water flows through a hollow membrane present within the membrane contactor panel (in a general direction starting from the water inlet port 503 and ending at the water outlet port 505) and comes into contact with dry, warm process air 115 guided across the surface of the membrane contactor panel. The intake air 115 flows across the surface of the membrane contactor panel 504 and is then cooled and / or humidified. The water return line 506 discharges any unevaporated residual water into an optional integrated or external storage tank for recirculation and / or drainage. A control valve 502 regulates the fluid flow rate in the piping circuit and may be installed in the water supply line 501 (shown in Figure 18) or the water return line 506. The controller 254 controls the position of the valve 502 (e.g., open position, partially open position, It may operate to control the closed position. Other accessories accompanying the piping system 500, including but not limited to water filters, water meters, water hammer arresters, backflow prevention devices, and measuring devices, may be included in the system to meet specific application requirements.

[0050] A possible piping scheme for multiple individual membrane contactor panels 504 is shown in Figure 17. In this embodiment, the membrane contactor panels 504 are piped in series such that the amount of residual water discharged from the water outlet port 505 of one membrane contactor panel enters the water inlet port 503 of a subsequent membrane contactor panel using an intermediate pipe 510. A control valve 502 regulates the fluid flow to the entire series of membrane contactor panels and may be located in either the water supply line 501 (shown in Figure 16) or the water return line 502. As previously mentioned, the controller 254 may control the control valve 502 to regulate the fluid flow. Intake air 115 flows through the surface of each membrane contactor panel 504 and is then cooled and / or humidified.

[0051] Further possible piping schemes for multiple individual membrane contactor panels 504 are shown in Figure 18. In this embodiment, the membrane contactor panels 504 are piped both in series (shown in Figure 17) and parallel so that a number of control valves 502 regulate the flow to different groups of membrane contactor panels in the matrix. A controller 254 can control the number of control valves 502 collectively or independently. Each group of membrane contactor panels can be selectively activated to provide cooling needs. A water supply line 501 is connected to a water supply distribution manifold 520 that leads water to the water inlet ports 503 of the membrane contactor panels in each group. Within each group of membrane contactor panels, water discharged from the water outlet port 505 of one membrane contactor panel enters the water inlet port 503 of a subsequent membrane contactor panel in series using an intermediate pipe 510. A return water collection manifold 521 leads the amount of residual water from each group of membrane contactor panels to a water return line 506 for final recirculation and / or drainage. The control valve 502 may be located at the outlet connection of the supply water distribution manifold 520 or at the inlet connection of the return water collection manifold 521. A shut-off valve 522 may be included to provide flow logic and prevent backflow to a particular group of membrane contactor panels. Intake air 115 flows through the surface of each membrane contactor panel 504 and is then cooled and / or humidified.

[0052] Further possible piping schemes for multiple individual membrane contactor panels 504 are shown in Figure 19. In this embodiment, the membrane contactor panels 504 are piped in parallel so that a number of control valves 502 (and a controller 254 configured to control the number of control valves 502) regulate the flow to different groups of membrane contactor panels in the matrix. In addition to the aforementioned supply water distribution manifold 520 and return water collection manifold 521 shown in Figure 18, Figure 19 shows the use of branch pipes (530 and 531) for leading water to and from each group of membrane contactor panels, respectively. Branch pipe 530 is routed from the supply water distribution manifold 520 to the water inlet port 503 of each membrane contactor panel 504 in a designated group. Branch pipe 531 is routed from the water outlet port 505 of each membrane contactor panel 504 in a designated group to the return water collection manifold 521. This piping scheme represents the use of return pipes, where the entire system flow is divided into substantially equal flows passing through the membrane contactor panels 504. The control valve 502 may be located at the outlet connection of the supply water distribution manifold 520 or at the inlet connection of the return water collection manifold 521. Any balance valves may be used in the system to fine-tune the flow rate as needed. A shut-off valve 522 may be included to provide flow logic and prevent backflow to specific groups of membrane contactor panels. Intake air 115 flows through the surface of each membrane contactor panel 504 and is then cooled and / or humidified.

[0053] Figure 20 shows a further possible piping scheme for multiple individual membrane contactor panels 504. In this embodiment, each membrane contactor panel 504 is piped to its own water source. Separate supply lines (540, 542, 544) lead water from separate water sources to each membrane contactor panel 504, and separate return lines (541, 543, 545) lead the residual water from the membrane contactor panels 504 to individual or common reservoirs for recirculation and / or drainage. A number of independent control valves 502 regulate the water flow through each membrane contactor panel 504, allowing each membrane contactor panel 504 to be selectively operated for application-specific cooling needs. Intake air 115 flows through the surface of each membrane contactor panel 504 and is then cooled and / or humidified. For example, in an embodiment having two of the membrane contactor panels 504, and therefore two valves 502, both valves 502 may be controlled to the open position by the controller 254, both valves 502 may be controlled to the closed position by the controller 254, one valve 502 may be controlled to the open position by the controller 254 and the other valve 502 may be controlled to the closed position by the controller 254. As previously stated, the controller 254 may actuate the valves 502 based on data feedback from the sensor 259. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 254 may receive input (e.g., from an operator) and control the valves 502 based on the input.

[0054] All piping schemes described herein can be infinitely expanded to match the total number of membrane contactor panels in the system. The flexibility and ease with which membrane contactor panels can be added or removed, and piping schemes can be combined and / or replaced, enables autonomous unlimited capacity and precise demand matching control strategies.

[0055] An optional water storage tank 559 is shown in Figure 21, which may be integrated into the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit (shown in Figure 5) or located separately (shown in Figure 6). A supply water source 550 is supplied to the inlet 552 of the storage tank 559 by a makeup water line 551. The makeup water line 551 may be directly connected to the membrane contactor supply line 501 if the water storage tank 559 is not required. Makeup water is required in all the above piping schemes to maintain a continuous evaporative cooling process. When cooling is required, a fluid transfer device (e.g., a sump pump or inline pump 554) is turned on (e.g., by the controller 254) to allow water from the storage tank 559 to exit through the outlet 553 and flow downstream through the supply line 501 to the membrane contactor panel. Optional strainers 555 or other water filtration and / or treatment components may be installed to improve the quality of the water supplied to the membrane contactor panel. In the recirculation system, the return line 506 returns the residual water discharged from the membrane contactor panel to the storage tank 559 for reuse or mixing with makeup water. The storage tank can be drained into the drain line 558 through the drain outlet 556 by opening the drain control valve 557 (for example, via the controller 254). An example of a situation requiring tank drainage is when it is necessary to reduce the concentration of dissolved solids accumulated in the piping system.

[0056] The control scheme for multiple individual membrane contactor panels 504 is shown in Figure 22. For the cooling system 600, each membrane contactor panel 504 is individually piped to its own supply line 601, return line 602, and control valve 502, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 20. The control valves 502 can be wired independently of each other, and each membrane contactor panel 504 is routed to its own water supply, so that selective membrane contactor panels 504 can be activated or deactivated (e.g., by the controller 254). Figure 22 shows both activated membrane contactor panel 603 and deactivated membrane contactor panel 604. For example, in an embodiment having two membrane contactor panels 603, the controller 254 may control both membrane contactor panels 603 to be in an actuated configuration (e.g., via a valve such as valve 502 in Figure 20), both membrane contactor panels 603 to be in a deactuated configuration (e.g., via a valve such as valve 502 in Figure 20), and one membrane contactor panel 603 to be in an actuated configuration and the other membrane contactor panel 603 to be in a deactuated configuration (e.g., via a valve such as valve 502 in Figure 20). Furthermore, the actuated sequence control scheme may be such that the membrane contactor panel 504 is in a predetermined configuration. The control system can be automated to operate either synchronously or asynchronously, depending on the delay or setpoint configuration of the control system. Membrane contactor panels can also be installed in different zones within an enclosed space or volume to provide area-focused air conditioning.

[0057] Figure 23 shows a potential feature of a membrane contactor-based air conditioner 700 in which two physically distinct matrices (704 and 705) of a membrane contactor panel 701 are hinged on a rotation axis 703. Through the use of an optional actuator (e.g., a motor 706 controlled by a controller 254), the matrices (704 and 705) can be rotated 702 around the axis 703. This feature allows for the existence of different air paths within the membrane contactor-based air conditioner 700 as a whole. When the matrices (704 and 705) are rotated so that they contact at their common interface, the gap shown in Figure 23 is closed, allowing all the air to pass through the membrane contactor panel 701 and directly create a regulated airflow 105. Conversely, when the matrices (704 and 705) are rotated so that they no longer contact at their common interface, a gap exists as shown in the figure. In this example, some of the air 105 continues to pass through the membrane contactor panel 701 and is regulated, while some of the air 252 bypasses the membrane contactor panel 701 and leaves the membrane contactor-based air conditioner 700 unregulated. The controller 254 may control the motor 706 based on sensor feedback from the sensor 259 or inputs entered into the controller 254 (e.g., via an operator).

[0058] Further potential features of the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 700 are shown in Figure 24. In this figure, two physically distinct matrices (712 and 713) of the membrane contactor panel 701 are connected to an axis 711 that allows for translation 710 perpendicular to the direction of the airflow (105 and 252) using an optional actuator. The translation 710 of the membrane contactor panel 701 may be caused by an actuator such as a motor 715 controlled by a controller 254 (for example, based on sensor data from a sensor 259 or input received by the controller 254 from an operator). This feature allows for the formation of different air paths within the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit 700 as a whole. In one example, if the matrices (712 and 713) are in contact at a common interface, there is no gap as shown in the figure. Thus, all the air 105 passes through the membrane contactor panel 701 and is regulated as it exits the membrane contactor-based air conditioning unit. Conversely, when the matrices (712 and 713) move apart and translate (in direction 710), a gap is formed between the matrices (712 and 713). This allows some of the air 105 to be regulated as it moves through the membrane contactor panel, while at the same time some of the air 252 completely bypasses the membrane contactor panel 701 and exits the membrane contactor base air conditioning unit 700 unregulated.

[0059] This disclosure is not limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. In fact, various modifications to this disclosure, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0060] While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of numerous modifications and changes, such as variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, the values ​​of parameters including temperature and pressure, the arrangement of mountings, the use of materials, color, orientation, etc., without substantially departing from the novel teachings and merits of the subject matter enumerated in the claims. Any order or sequence of process or method steps may be modified or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. Therefore, it is understood that the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure. It should be done. Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual implementations may be described (e.g., those irrelevant to the thoughtfully considered best mode of implementation of this disclosure, or irrelevant to enabling the claimed disclosure). It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions may be made in the development of any such actual implementation. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but nevertheless, without excessive experimentation, they become standard design, fabrication, and manufacturing tasks for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0061] The technologies presented and claimed herein are applied by reference to and in relation to material objects and specific examples of a practical nature that clearly improve the art, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any of the claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as "means for performing [a function]..." or "steps for performing [a function]...", such elements are intended to be construed under Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. However, with respect to claims containing elements designated in any other way, such elements are not intended to be construed under Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act.

[0062] All patents, applications, publications, test methods, literature, and other materials cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. It is an air conditioning system, An airflow channel configured to guide the airflow in a certain direction, The system comprises an evaporative cooling film panel disposed within the air passage and including a surface positioned at an oblique angle with respect to the direction, The aforementioned surface is defined by a plurality of microporous fibers, An air conditioning device in which each of the plurality of microporous fibers is configured to receive a liquid into the fluid channel of each microporous fiber such that the airflow over each microporous fiber generates vapor, and is configured to release the vapor into the airflow through the pores of each microporous fiber.

2. The fluid channel of each of the plurality of microporous fibers is configured to guide the liquid through the fluid channel, The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the pores of each of the plurality of microporous fibers are configured to block the passage of the liquid through the pores but to allow the passage of the vapor through the pores.

3. The air passage is provided with an additional evaporative cooling membrane panel, which includes an additional surface defined by an additional number of microporous fibers, The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein each of the additional microporous fibers is configured to receive the liquid into an additional fluid channel of the additional microporous fiber such that the airflow over the additional microporous fiber generates additional vapor, and is configured to release the additional vapor into the airflow through the additional pores of the additional microporous fiber.

4. The air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein the additional surface is arranged at an additional oblique angle with respect to the direction.

5. The evaporative cooling membrane panel is arranged in series with the additional evaporative cooling membrane panel with respect to the liquid flow, and as a result, the evaporative cooling membrane panel, At the entrance, receive the aforementioned liquid. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, configured to discharge the liquid through an outlet that is communicatively coupled to an additional evaporative cooling membrane panel.

6. The evaporative cooling membrane panel is positioned parallel to the additional evaporative cooling membrane panel with respect to the liquid flow, and as a result, The evaporative cooling film panel is configured to receive the first portion of the liquid, The air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein the additional evaporative cooling membrane panel is configured to receive a second portion of the liquid that is different from the first portion of the liquid.

7. The air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein the surface of the evaporative cooling membrane panel is arranged at a certain angle with respect to the additional surface of the additional evaporative cooling membrane panel.

8. The air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein the surface of the evaporative cooling membrane panel is parallel to the additional surface of the additional evaporative cooling membrane panel.

9. A first valve, configured to be actuated to a first open position that allows a first flow of the liquid to the evaporative cooling membrane panel, and configured to be actuated to a first closed position that blocks the first flow of the liquid to the evaporative cooling membrane panel. The first valve and, The air conditioning device according to claim 3, comprising: a second valve, the second valve configured to be actuated to a second open position that allows a second flow of the liquid to the additional evaporative cooling membrane panel, and the second valve configured to be actuated to a second closed position that blocks the second flow of the liquid to the additional evaporative cooling membrane panel.

10. Equipped with a controller, The aforementioned controller, In the first operating configuration, the first valve is operated to the first open position, and the second valve is operated to the second closed position. In the second operating configuration, the first valve is operated to the first closed position, and the second valve is operated to the second open position. In the third operating configuration, the first valve is operated to the first open position, and the second valve is operated to the second open position. The air conditioning device according to claim 9, wherein in a fourth operating configuration, the first valve is operated to the first closed position and the second valve is operated to the second closed position.

11. Equipped with a controller, The controller is configured to control the movement of the evaporative cooling film panel such that an open configuration is created in the airflow path, and the gap is configured to receive a portion of the airflow so that a portion of the airflow bypasses the evaporative cooling film panel, and The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the movement of the evaporative cooling film panel so as to create a closed configuration in which the gap is removed.

12. The air passage is equipped with a bypass damper, The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the bypass damper is configured to operate between a closed position in which the airflow is prevented from passing through the bypass damper and an open position in which a portion of the airflow is guided through the bypass damper, and as a result a portion of the airflow bypasses the evaporative cooling film panel.

13. Equipped with a liquid tank, The aforementioned liquid tank is A first outlet configured to guide the liquid toward the evaporative cooling film panel, A first inlet is configured to receive the liquid after the liquid has passed through the plurality of microporous fibers of the evaporative cooling membrane panel, A second outlet configured to discharge a portion of the liquid away from the evaporative cooling film panel, The air conditioning device according to claim 1, further comprising a second inlet configured to receive replacement fluid.

14. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning device does not include a mist remover.

15. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, further comprising a screen for the evaporative cooling membrane panel, wherein the screen is positioned upstream of the surface of the evaporative cooling membrane panel with respect to the direction of the airflow.

16. It is an air conditioning system, An airflow channel configured to guide the airflow in a certain direction, An evaporative cooling panel arranged within the aforementioned airflow channel, A membrane for the evaporative cooling panel, wherein the membrane is defined by a plurality of microporous fibers, and each of the plurality of microporous fibers includes a fluid path configured to guide a fluid through it, and a pore configured to prevent the fluid in liquid form from passing through the pore, but to allow the fluid in vapor form to pass through the pore, An air conditioning device comprising: a surface of the membrane arranged at an oblique angle with respect to the aforementioned direction, configured to facilitate the passage of the airflow over the plurality of microporous fibers, the generation of vapor from the liquid within the microporous fibers based on heat exchange between the fluid and the airflow, and the release of vapor into the airflow through the pores.

17. An additional evaporative cooling panel is placed within the aforementioned airflow channel, The air conditioning device according to claim 16, further comprising: an additional surface of the additional evaporative cooling panel arranged at an additional oblique angle with respect to the aforementioned direction.

18. The air conditioning system according to claim 17, wherein the evaporative cooling panel and the additional evaporative cooling panel are arranged in series with respect to the fluid flow such that the additional evaporative cooling panel receives the fluid from the evaporative cooling panel.

19. The air conditioning device according to claim 17, wherein the evaporative cooling panel and the additional evaporative cooling panel are arranged parallel to the fluid flow such that the evaporative cooling panel receives a first portion of the fluid and the additional evaporative cooling panel receives a second portion of the fluid different from the first portion.

20. Equipped with a controller, The controller is configured to control the rotational or translational motion of the evaporative cooling panel, the additional evaporative cooling panel, or both, such that an open configuration is created between the evaporative cooling panel and the additional evaporative cooling panel, and the gap is configured to receive a portion of the airflow so that a portion of the airflow bypasses the evaporative cooling panel and the additional evaporative cooling panel, and The air conditioning system according to claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to control the rotational or translational motion of the evaporative cooling panel, the additional evaporative cooling panel, or both, to produce a closed configuration in which the gap is removed.

21. It is an air conditioning system, A first evaporative cooling membrane panel is positioned in an airflow channel configured to receive airflow through it, A second evaporative cooling film panel is arranged in the airflow channel, Equipped with a controller, The controller is configured to control the movement of the first evaporative cooling film panel, the second evaporative cooling film panel, or both, such that an open configuration is created in the airflow channel, and the gap is configured to receive a portion of the airflow so that a portion of the airflow bypasses the first and second evaporative cooling film panels, and An air conditioning system in which the controller is configured to control the movement of the first evaporative cooling membrane panel, the second evaporative cooling membrane panel, or both, to create a closed configuration in which the gap is removed.

22. The controller controls the movement of the first evaporative cooling membrane panel, the second evaporative cooling membrane panel, or both, such that the gap is formed in the airflow channel between the first evaporative cooling membrane panel and the second evaporative cooling membrane panel, resulting in the open configuration. The air conditioning device according to claim 21, configured as described above.

23. The air conditioning device according to claim 21, wherein the controller is configured to control the movement of the first evaporative cooling membrane panel by controlling the rotation of the first evaporative cooling membrane panel around an axis.

24. The air conditioning device according to claim 21, wherein the controller is configured to control the movement of the first evaporative cooling membrane panel by controlling the translation of the first evaporative cooling membrane panel relative to the second evaporative cooling membrane panel.

25. The motor is configured to receive control signals from the controller, The air conditioning device according to claim 21, wherein the motor is configured to move the first evaporative cooling film panel in response to the control signal.

26. The air conditioning device according to claim 21, wherein the first evaporative cooling membrane panel includes a plurality of microporous fibers, each of the plurality of microporous fibers including a fluid path configured to guide a fluid through it, and a pore configured to prevent the fluid in liquid form from passing through the pore, but to allow the fluid in vapor form to pass through the pore.

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