Method for changing the concentration of solute in a melt

Abstract

A method (600, 1100) or methods (600, 1100) for varying the concentration of a solute in a solution are disclosed. The method (600) includes: in and receiving a second stream of the solution by a second heat and mass exchanger HMX2. The method (600) includes treating the first stream of the solution by HMX1 to bring it to state D out The method (600) further includes treating a second stream of the solution with HMX2 to produce a first concentrated stream of the solution at state Rout. The method (600) initially includes directing the first diluted stream of the solution from the processing unit to a first heat and mass exchanger HMX1-n of the successive processing units. The method (600) also includes treating a second stream of the solution with HMX2 to produce a first concentrated stream of the solution at state Dout by a second heat and mass exchanger HMX2-n. in-n receiving a first flow of the solution at

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to In the melt a method for changing the concentration of a solute of

Background Art

[0002] Maintaining a controlled humidity level for various applications, such as for the thermal comfort of indoor occupants, data centers, power plants, manufacturing, chemical, oil and gas industries, etc., is extremely important in modern times. Controlling humidity, especially reducing humidity (this process is known as dehumidification), usually consumes a very large amount of energy. In most cases, the vapour compression refrigeration cycle (VCRS) is used to achieve dehumidification. In certain applications where strong dehumidification and / or waste heat available at a moderately high temperature (above 80°C) can be utilized, a desiccant wheel may be used. However, desiccant wheels have had limited success because (i) it is difficult to utilize waste heat sources in most applications (at moderately high temperatures), and (ii) the sensible heat of the desiccant during dehumidification reduces its ability to adsorb moisture. Recognizing these limitations, in one of the existing implementations, a cross-flow drying dehumidifier is used to perform the dehumidification process. A cross-flow drying dehumidifier typically consists of the exchange of a desiccant-coated working air channel and a cooling air channel in a cross-flow arrangement. Such a dehumidifier enables simultaneous dehumidification and adsorption heat removal, resulting in better dehumidification performance. In another existing implementation, a solid or liquid desiccant-based mass exchanger with internal heating / cooling can be used to perform the dehumidification and humidification processes. In such a mass exchanger, there are further two flows (a high-temperature fluid and a low-temperature fluid) that are only involved in heat transfer (not mass transfer), above the air flow that is directly involved in heat and mass transfer (dehumidification and regeneration). During dehumidification, the low-temperature fluid absorbs the heat of sorption, while during regeneration, the high-temperature fluid supplies the heat of sorption.

[0003] In some applications, dehumidification is important, while in other applications, humidification is essential. Substantially all of the earth's land is covered by dry and semi-dry regions where the humidity level in the atmosphere is insufficient for human comfort. Moreover, water scarcity makes life very difficult. Generally, a humidifier uses water to increase the humidity of air, which is then blown into an indoor space for the thermal comfort of occupants. As far as water scarcity is concerned, some of the conventional solutions include the use of groundwater, transportation of water from regions with abundant fresh water to water-scarce regions, desalination, etc. In many cases, these solutions can be impractical or expensive. Therefore, researchers have investigated over time the possibility of extracting water from moisture in the air. Conventional atmospheric water harvesters or atmospheric water generators (AWGs) utilize a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to cool a coil below the dew point temperature of the atmosphere. Further, this can be expensive and may not be practical in dry regions (especially when the dew point temperature is below zero degrees Celsius). Thus, In the melt a method for performing humidification and dehumidification processes by changing the concentration of a solute is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, nor is it intended to determine the scope of the invention.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, In the melt a method of changing the concentration of a solute is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a first heat and mass exchanger (HMX1) of a processing unit among a plurality of processing units, a first stream in state D in and receiving, by a second heat and mass exchanger (HMX2) of the processing unit, a second Melt in state R in and further including, by HMX1 Melt of Dense flow a second stream in state R. Further, the method includes, by HMX1 MeltProcess the first flow to state D out in Melt the first Dilute flow including generating. HMX1 is a first desiccant that absorbs a first amount of solute from the first flow at an initial stage Melt

[0006] The method also includes, at an initial stage, processing the second flow by HMX2 to generate a first Melt in state R out in Melt the first Dense flow including generating. HMX2 is a second desiccant that releases a second amount of solute into the second flow at an initial stage Melt out in Melt the first Dilute flow including inducing by the first heat and mass exchanger HMX1-n of the continuous processing unit among the plurality of processing units at an initial stage. Further, the method includes, at an initial stage, processing the first Melt by HMX1-n of the continuous processing unit to generate a Dilute flow in state R out-n in Melt the Dense flow including generating. Further, the method includes receiving the first flow in state D in-n in Melt by HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit at an initial stage. Further, the method includes, at an initial stage, processing the Melt by HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit to generate a second Dense flow in state D out-n in Melt including generating. The amount of solute in the first Dilute flow in state D out-n in Melt is less than the amount of solute in the first Dilute flow in state D in in Melt the first Dilute flow

[0007] ​​​To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more detailed description of the present invention is provided by referring to specific embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings show only typical embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof. The present invention will be described more specifically and in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 4c

Figure 4d

Figure 5

Figure 6a

Figure 6b

Figure 7a

Figure 7b

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11a

Figure 11b

Figure 12a

Figure 12b

Figure 12c

Figure 12d

Figure 13a

Figure 13b

Figure 14a

Figure 14b

Figure 14c

Figure 14d

Figure 15a

Figure 15b

[0009] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the elements of the drawings are shown for simplicity and may not necessarily be drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts show the method in terms of the most prominent steps included to assist in understanding the aspects of the present invention. Further, with regard to the configuration of the device, one or more components of the device may be represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only specific details relevant to the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Detailed Description of the Drawings For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Nevertheless, it is not intended that the scope of the present invention be limited thereby, and such changes and further modifications in the system shown, and such further uses of the principles of the present invention as shown therein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 for changing the concentration of solute within, Melt according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 has solutes of various concentrations for various applications Meltcan be used for use. Referring to FIG. 1, system 100 may include a plurality of processing units 102 that are in fluid communication with each other. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of processing units 102 may be individually referred to as processing unit 102-1, processing unit 102-2, processing unit 103-2,...., and processing unit 102-n. Further, the plurality of processing units 102 may be interchangeably referred to as processing unit 102 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the processing units 102 may include a plurality of heat and mass exchangers HMX that are in fluid communication with each other. In one embodiment, the plurality of heat and mass exchangers HMX may be individually referred to as the first heat and mass exchanger HMX1, the second heat and mass exchanger HMX2, the third heat and mass exchanger HMX3,...., and the nth heat and mass exchanger HMXn without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Each of the HMXs can be embodied as one of the following (but not limited to): (a) Desiccant-coated finned tube heat exchanger; (b) Desiccant-coated banks of tube (DCBT); (c) Heat and mass exchangers found in adsorption / absorption coolers; (d) Internally cooled desiccant wheel; (e) Liquid desiccant-based internally cooled / heated mass exchanger; (f) Fluidized bed reactor; (g) Fixed bed reactor; (h) Spray tower (spray column / spray chamber).

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, HMX1 and HMX2 may be configured to vary the concentration of the solute within Melt . In this embodiment, Melt and the solute may be embodied as air and moisture, respectively, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, each of the HMXs MeltIt can be configured to perform humidification and dehumidification processes to change the concentration of the solute inside. In one embodiment, each of the HMXs can be embodied as one of the above-mentioned units (a), (b), and (c). In such an embodiment, HMX1 and HMX2 can periodically and alternately perform dehumidification and regeneration processes. Thus, after a while, the air to be dehumidified enters HMX2 of the processing unit 102-1 in the state Din,1, and the regeneration air flow enters HMX1 of the processing unit 102-1 in the state Rin,1 and so on. As an example, in the initial stage, HMX1 and HMX2 can perform dehumidification and humidification processes carefully (respectfully). Further, in a subsequent stage, HMX1 can perform a humidification process and HMX2 can perform a dehumidification process.

[0015] In another embodiment, each of the HMXs can be embodied as unit (d) as described above. In such an embodiment, HMX1 and HMX2 of the processing unit 102-1 are regions for dehumidifying (by absorption / adsorption) and humidifying (by releasing moisture during the regeneration process) air respectively. HMX1 and HMX2 of the processing unit 102-2 are parts for performing humidification and dehumidification of air and so on respectively. In yet another embodiment, each of the HMXs can be embodied as unit (e) as described above. In such an embodiment, HMX1 of the processing unit 102-1 is an air conditioner where the liquid desiccant absorbs moisture. On the other hand, HMX2 of the processing unit 102-1 is a regenerator where the liquid desiccant releases moisture. HMX1 and HMX2 of the processing unit 102-2 are a regenerator and an air conditioner respectively and so on.

[0016] Regarding the relative directions, scales, and durations of the air flow and the water flow, and as far as some of the HMXs are concerned, some of the possible variations are as follows (however, not limited to these).

[0017] (a) The air flow can be in any of co-current, cross-current, or counter-current configurations.

[0018] (b) The pair of air flow and water flow can be in any of parallel flow, cross flow, or counter flow configurations.

[0019] (c) Instead of just HMX1 (also referred to as the "heat and mass exchanger") and HMX2, there may be a plurality of HMXs used to achieve the purpose (dehumidification of air). Moreover, the number of units to be dehumidified and regenerated does not have to be the same.

[0020] (d) The flow rate of the air flow does not have to be stable or equal between HMXs. The air flow rate may vary from cycle to cycle or may vary for each process (dehumidification or regeneration).

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a system 100 for implementing a method of changing the concentration of a solute in a Melt by Dilution changing the concentration of the solute in the Melt within, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, Solute and the solute can be embodied as moisture and air, respectively, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, Melt the method of changing the concentration of the solute in the Melt can be referred to as a dehumidification process. Dilution

[0022] FIGS. 2, 3, 4A - 4D, 5, 6A - 6B, and 7A - 7B of the present disclosure are described with respect to the dehumidification process. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present disclosure is equivalent to other processes for changing the concentration of solutes in different types of Melt without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] ​Essentially, the dehumidification process proposed herein is that the dehumidified air stream after undergoing the dehumidification process (including simultaneous cooling or complete / partial waste heat removal) is fully or partially used as the inlet air stream for the regeneration process (including simultaneous internal heating). This air stream can discard the desiccant matrix after regeneration / drying, but either a portion of the dehumidified air stream not utilized for regeneration or the dehumidified air stream after two or more stages of the aforementioned processes is utilized as a useful product. Such a product can be regarded as either a final product or an intermediate product depending on the application.

[0024] Referring to Figure 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the first heat and mass exchanger HMX1 is in state D of the processing unit 102-1 among the plurality of processing units 102 in (D in-1 referred to interchangeably) Melt and is configured to receive the first flow. Further, the processing unit 102-1, which is the second heat and mass exchanger HMX2, is in state R in (R in-1 referred to interchangeably) Melt and is configured to receive the second flow.

[0025] When receiving the first flow, HMX1, in an initial stage, Melt processes the first flow of out (D out-1 referred to interchangeably) Melt to generate the first Dilute flow in state D. HMX1 may include a first desiccant that absorbs a first amount of solute from the first flow of Melt in an initial stage. The first desiccant can perform sorption such as absorption and adsorption of solute from the first c,in,1 when a first flow of fluid in state W is directed to HMX1. In one embodiment, the fluid can be embodied as one of water and any other suitable fluid known in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first flow of fluid is by the first desiccant Dilute flow of solute absorption and adsorption, etc. MeltIt can absorb the heat generated during the sorption of the first amount of solute from the first stream. Thereby, Melt the first Dilute flow can be prevented from getting too hot at the outlet of HMX1.

[0026] Subsequently, when receiving the second stream, HMX2 processes the second stream in state R in-1 that is in Melt to produce a first out (also referred to interchangeably as R out-1 ) that is in Melt the first Dense flow . HMX2 may include a second desiccant that releases a second amount of solute into the second stream of the initial stage Melt . In particular, Melt the second stream of h,in,1 the fluid in state W can take in solute from the second desiccant when the second stream of the fluid is directed to HMX2.

[0027] The second stream of fluid releases heat and raises the temperature of the second desiccant that releases the second amount of solute within Melt . The second desiccant can perform sorption such as absorption and adsorption of solute from the first Dilute flow when the first stream of fluid in state Wc,in,1 is directed to HMX1. The first stream of fluid can absorb the heat generated during the sorption of the first amount of solute from the first Melt stream by the first desiccant. Each of the first desiccant and the second desiccant may be embodied as one of a liquid desiccant, a solid desiccant, and pellets of a solid desiccant.

[0028] During the dehumidification process, the first out-1 in state R Dense flow generated by HMX2 can be discarded from the system 100. In the initial stage, HMX1 of the processing unit 102-1 is in state D out-1 to the first heat and mass exchanger HMX1-n of the continuous processing unit 102-n among the plurality of processing units 102, Melt the first Dilute flowcan be configured to supply. In the illustrated embodiment, HMX1 is in state D out,1 is in Melt the first Dilute flow to be supplied to HMX1-n (n = 2) of the continuous processing unit 102-2 (also referred to interchangeably with the processing unit 102-2). The state D out-1 in which the first Dilute flow is in state R in-2 in which the first Dilute flow can be referred to interchangeably.

[0029] Subsequently, in the initial stage, HMX1-2 processes the first in-2 in state R Melt to generate the first Dilute flow in state R out-2 in which the Melt of Dense flow can be generated. In the illustrated embodiment, the state R out-2 in which the Dense flow generated by HMX1-2 can be discarded from the system 100. Further, the processing unit 102-2, which is the second heat and mass exchanger HMX2-2, can be configured to receive another flow, namely the first flow in state D in-2 in which the Melt When receiving the first flow in state D in-2 HMX2-2 processes the first flow in state D in-n in which the Melt in the initial stage to generate the second out-n in state D Melt of Dilute flow can be generated. In the illustrated embodiment, the amount of solute in the second out-2 in state D Melt can be less than the amount of solute in the first Dilute flow in state D in-1 in which the Melt first Dilute flow Further, the air flow received from the final processing unit, i.e., the processing unit 102-n, may have a specific humidity that is a minimum value, and thereby can be used as the final product.

[0030] Furthermore, in a subsequent stage, the operations of HMX1-n and HXM2-n of the subsequent processing unit can be mutually interchanged with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the operations of HMX1-2 and HMX2-2 of processing unit 102-2 can be mutually interchanged with each other. In a subsequent stage, HMX2-2 of processing unit 102-2 can receive the first out in state D Melt of Dilute flow . Furthermore, HMX2-2 can process the first Melt of Dilute flow to generate the second out-2 in state R Melt of Dense flow . HMX2-2 includes a desiccant adapted to release at least a portion of the solute adsorbed / absorbed during the initial stage. Furthermore, HMX1-2 can receive the first flow of the second in-2 of Melt in state D by HMX1-2 of processing unit 102-2. Subsequently, HMX1-2 can process the second Melt of Dense flow to generate the second out-2 in state D Melt of Dilute flow . HMX1-2 includes a desiccant adapted to reabsorb an amount of solute to generate the second Melt of Dilute flow . The desiccant of each of HMX1-2 and HMX2-2 can be embodied as one of a liquid desiccant, a solid desiccant, and pellets of a solid desiccant.

[0031] Similarly, in a subsequent stage, the operations of HMX1 and HMX2 of processing unit 102 can be mutually interchanged with each other. In a subsequent stage, the first desiccant of HMX1 releases at least a portion of the first amount of solute adsorbed / absorbed by the first desiccant, and the second desiccant of HMX2 absorbs an amount of solute to generate the first Melt of Dilute flow .

[0032] FIG. 3 relates to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and by reducing the concentration of the solute within Melt to reduce the Melt within SoluteA system for implementing a method of changing the concentration of

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, at least a part of HMX1 in state D out in the first Dilute flow can be supplied to HMX2-n (n = 2) of the continuous unit, i.e., the processing unit 102-2. When receiving at least a part of the first Dilute flow , HMX2 can process the received portion to generate a second out-2 in state D Dilute flow .

[0034] FIG. 4a shows a block diagram of a processing unit of a system for implementing a method of changing the concentration of a solute in Melt by Dilution in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Details of this embodiment will be described with respect to HMX1 and HMX2 of the processing unit 102-1. Melt in the Solute However, those skilled in the art should understand that this embodiment can be equally implemented with respect to other processing units 102 of the system 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For the sake of simplicity, features of the system 100 that have already been described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are not described in detail in the description of FIG. 4a.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4a, in the illustrated embodiment, the heat and mass exchanger HMX1 can be configured to supply at least a part of the first

[0036] to HMX2 of the processing unit 102-1. Subsequently, HMX2 can process at least a part of the first Melt in the Dilute flow to generate a Melt in the first Dilute flow in state R out in the Melt of the Dense flow . In the illustrated embodiment, in state R out in theDense flow can be discarded from system 100. In one embodiment, the state D out in the first Dilute flow can be used, at least in part, i.e., at least a portion of the stream, as a recycled stream, i.e., R in . In such an embodiment, the remaining portion of the first Dilute flow can be utilized as the final product from system 100.

[0037] In another embodiment, the first out in the state D Dilute flow can be used entirely as a recycled stream, i.e., R in . In such an embodiment, the first out in the state D Dilute flow can be used entirely as a recycled stream until a periodic steady state is achieved. However, when a periodic steady state is achieved, the first out in the state D Dilute flow may be used in part as a recycled stream, and the remaining portion of the first Dilute flow can be used as the final product.

[0038] FIG. 4b shows a block diagram of a processing unit of system 100 implementing a method of varying the concentration of Melt by reducing the concentration of the solute within Melt in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Details of this embodiment will be described with respect to HMX1 and HMX2 of processing unit 102-1. Solute However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this embodiment can be equally implemented with respect to other processing units 102 of system 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For the sake of simplicity, features of system 100 that have already been described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4a will not be described in detail in the description of FIG. 4b.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4b(a), in the illustrated embodiment, HMX2 is in state D for a first duration (e.g., 50 seconds)

[0040] in ​It can receive an air current such as the first air current in []. Subsequently, HMX2 processes the first air current in state D in to generate the first in state R out in []. Dense flow such as Dense flow Referring to FIG. 4b(b), after the completion of the first duration, HMX2 can receive at least a portion of the first in state D out in []. Dilute flow

[0041] In particular, HMX2 can receive at least a portion of the first in state D out in []. Dilute flow during a second duration (e.g., 40 seconds) following the first duration. Thereafter, HMX2 processes the received portion of the first in state D out in []. Dilute flow to generate the in state R out in []. Melt of Dense flow The second desiccant can increase the concentration of the solute in the received portion of the first to generate the in state R Dilute flow in []. out in []. Dense flow In one embodiment, each of the first duration and the second duration can be selected based on the required in the first Dilute flow and the required flow rate of the first Dilution . Dilute flow

[0042] The advantage of this embodiment is that in the first few seconds, Melt of Dense flow highly dried air (low RH) is not necessarily required to generate. However, as time passes and the desiccant in the HMX becomes drier, drier air (low RH) is required, and then the dehumidified air such as the first in state D out in []. Dilute flow must be partially re-induced to the drying desiccant of HMX2.

[0043] FIG. 4c shows, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, Melt the concentration of the solute in [] Dilution byMelt inside Solute FIG. 100 shows a block diagram of a processing unit of a system 100 that implements a method of varying the concentration of

[0044] However, those skilled in the art should understand that this embodiment can be equally implemented with respect to other processing units 102 of the system 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For the sake of simplicity, features of the system 100 that have already been described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A, and 4B are not described in detail in the description of FIG. 4C.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 4C, in the embodiment shown, HMX2 can receive a first in in state R Dense flow . The first in in state R Dense flow can be embodied as a re-induction portion of the first out in state D Dilute flow generated by HMX1, as described with respect to FIG. 3B. Further, HMX2 can process the first Melt to generate a second Dense flow in state R out . Subsequently, HMX1 can receive at least a portion of the second Melt from HMX2. Thereafter, HMX1 can process the received portion of the second Dense flow to generate a first Melt in state D Dense flow such as Melt of the second Dense flow and the like. out in state D Melt of the first Dilute flow Dilute flow

[0046] FIG. 4D relates to another embodiment of the present disclosure and reduces the concentration of the solute in Melt by Melt inside Solute ​​A block diagram of a processing unit of a system 100 implementing a method of varying the concentration is shown. Details of this embodiment will be described with respect to HMX1, HMX2, and HMX3 of the processing unit 102-1.

[0047] However, those skilled in the art should understand that this embodiment can be equally implemented with respect to other processing units 102 of the system 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For the sake of simplicity, features of the system 100 that have already been described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c will not be described in detail in the description of FIG. 4d.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4d, in the illustrated embodiment, HMX1 can be configured to receive a first stream in state D in in Melt Furthermore, HMX1 can process the first stream in Melt to generate a first out in state D Melt HMX1 can include a desiccant that absorbs a first amount of solute from the first stream in Dilute flow The desiccant can be embodied as one of a liquid desiccant and pellets of a solid desiccant. Melt Furthermore, at the time of generation of the first

[0049] Furthermore, at the time of generation of the first Dilute flow the desiccant from HMX1 can be directed to HMX2 of the processing unit 102-2, as indicated by arrow 402. Subsequently, HMX2 can receive a in,1 in state R Melt HMX2 can process the Dense flow in state R in,1 in Melt to generate a first Dense flow The desiccant received by HMX2 can release at least a first predetermined amount of solute that has been absorbed / adsorbed from the first stream in HMX1. Melt of the first Dense flow The desiccant received by HMX2 can release at least a first predetermined amount of solute that has been absorbed / adsorbed from the first stream in HMX1. Melt The desiccant received by HMX2 can release at least a first predetermined amount of solute that has been absorbed / adsorbed from the first stream in HMX1.

[0050] The first Dense flowWhen being generated, the desiccant can be induced from HMX2 to HMX3 as indicated by arrow 404. Subsequently, HMX3 can receive at least a part of the first of Melt . HMX3 can process at least a part of the first of Melt to generate the second of Melt . The desiccant received by HMX2 from HMX3 can release at least a second predetermined amount of solute that is absorbed / adsorbed from the first flow of Melt in HMX1. Subsequently, the desiccant can be induced from HMX3 to HMX1 in processing unit 102-1. Further, the desiccant can reabsorb a second amount of solute from another flow induced to HMX1. out of Melt the first Dilute flow can receive. HMX3 Melt the first Dilute flow to process at least a part of Melt the second Dense flow can be generated. The desiccant received by HMX2 from HMX3 can release at least a second predetermined amount of solute that is absorbed / adsorbed from the first flow of Melt in HMX1. Subsequently, the desiccant can be induced from HMX3 to HMX1 in processing unit 102-1. Further, the desiccant can reabsorb a second amount of solute from another flow induced to HMX1. Melt can release.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a processing unit of a system 100 that implements a method of changing the concentration of a solute within Melt by changing the concentration of the solute within Dilution according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Details of this embodiment will be described with respect to HMX1, HMX2, and a third heat and mass exchanger HMX3 of processing unit 102-1. Melt changing the concentration of the solute within Dilution by Melt within Solute to change the concentration of.

[0052] However, those skilled in the art should understand that this embodiment can be equally implemented with respect to other processing units 102 of system 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For simplicity, the features of system 100 that have already been described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d will not be described in detail in the description of FIG. 5.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the processing unit can be used with three heat and mass exchanger units, namely HMX1, HMX2, and HMX3. In such an embodiment, each of HMX1 and HMX2 is in state D in in Meltcan receive the first stream. Each of HMX1 and HMX2 processes the received first stream in state D out and can generate a first Dilute flow such as Dilute flow . Then, in one embodiment, the Dilute flow from HMX2 can be directed to HMX1-n or HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit. Further, HMX1 can supply at least a portion of the first Melt in state D out to HMX3 of processing unit 102-1. Dilute flow

[0054] Melt Note that details regarding the system and method for Dilution the solute in

[0055] are described with respect to the configurations as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, and 5. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that such details can be equally implemented with respect to other configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Melt FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a flowchart of a method 600 for changing the concentration of Melt in Solute by reducing the concentration of the solute in

[0056] in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For simplicity, features of system 100 that have already been described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and 5 are not described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 6a and 6b. in Receiving, by HMX1 of processing unit 102-1, the first stream of Melt in state D, and receiving, by HMX2 of processing unit 102-1, the second stream of in in state R. Further, in block 604, method 600 processes the first stream of Melt by HMX1 to state D Melt ​out in Melt the first Dilute flow including generating. HMX1 includes a first desiccant that absorbs a first amount of solute from the first stream at an initial stage. Melt

[0057] In block 606, method 600 includes, at an initial stage, processing a second stream by HMX2 to generate a first Melt in state R out in Melt the first Dense flow including generating. HMX2 includes a second desiccant that releases a second amount of solute into the second stream at an initial stage. Further, in block 604, method 600 includes, at an initial stage, inducing a first Melt in a second stream of out in Melt the first Dilute flow in HMX1-n of the consecutive processing units 102 among the plurality of processing units 102 from the processing unit to state D. In block 608, method 600 includes, at an initial stage, processing a first Melt the first Dilute flow by HMX1-n of the consecutive processing units to generate a out-n in state R Melt of Dense flow including generating.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 6b, in block 610, method 600 includes receiving a first stream in state D in-n in Melt by HMX2-n of the consecutive processing units. Further, in block 612, method 600 includes, at an initial stage, processing a first stream by HMX2-n of the consecutive processing units to generate a second Melt in state D out-n in Melt the second Dilute flow including generating. The amount of solute in the second out-n in state D Melt is at least as good as the amount of solute in the first stream in state D Dilute flow in in in Melt less than.

[0059] Figures 7a and 7b illustrate a method 600 for varying the concentration of a solute within a [system 100] according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For simplicity, features of the system 100 that have already been described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5, 6a, and 6b are not described in detail in the description of FIGS. 7a and 7b. Melt the concentration of the solute within Dilution by Melt within Solute of [system 100].

[0060] Referring to FIG. 7a, at block 702, method 700 includes receiving a first stream of [system 100] in state D by HMX1 of processing unit 102-1. Further, at block 704, the method includes processing the first stream of [system 100] by HMX1 of the processing unit to produce a first [product] of [system 100] in state D. HMX1 includes a desiccant that absorbs a first amount of solute from the first stream of [system 100]. in in Melt of [system 100]. Melt the first stream of [system 100] to produce a first [product] of [system 100] in state D out in Melt of [system 100] Dilute flow of [system 100]. Melt of [system 100].

[0061] At block 706, method 700 includes directing the desiccant from HMX1 of processing unit 102-1 to HMX2 and directing [product] of [system 100] in state R to HMX2. Further, at block 708, the method includes processing the first [product] of [system 100] by HMX2 to produce a first [product] of [system 100]. The desiccant received by HMX2 releases at least a first predetermined amount of solute that was absorbed / adsorbed from the first stream of [system 100] within HMX1. in1 in Melt of [system 100] Dense flow of [system 100]. Melt the first [product] of [system 100] Dense flow of [system 100] Melt the first [product] of [system 100] Dense flow of [system 100]. Melt of [system 100].

[0062] Referring to FIG. 7b, at block 710, method 700 includes directing the desiccant from HMX2 of the processing unit to HMX3 and directing [product] of [system 100] in state D to out in It should be noted that some parts in the original text seem to be incomplete or have placeholders that need to be further clarified in the context. The translation is based on the best understanding of the provided text.Melt the first of Dilute flow at least a predetermined portion of, and guiding from HMX1 to HMX3. Further, in block 712, method 700 Melt the first of Dilute flow at least a predetermined part of, and processing Melt the second of Dense flow to generate. The desiccant received by HMX2 to HMX3 releases at least a second predetermined amount of solute that is absorbed / adsorbed from the first stream of Melt in HMX1. In block 714, the method includes guiding the desiccant from HMX3 to HMX1 of the processing unit. The desiccant re-absorbs a second amount of solute from another stream guided to HMX1.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a system for implementing a method of changing the concentration of Melt in by increasing the concentration of the solute therein according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, Melt the Solute and the solute can be embodied as moisture and air, respectively, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, Melt the method of increasing the concentration of the solute in can be referred to as a humidification process. Melt FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11a-11b of the present disclosure are described with respect to the humidification process. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present disclosure is equivalent to other processes for changing the concentration of the solute in different types of

[0064] without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Melt It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is equivalent to other processes for changing the concentration of the solute in different types of

[0065] The regenerated air stream becomes moist itself after drying / regenerating the desiccant during the regeneration process (while being heated simultaneously during the process). Subsequently, this moist air stream is used as the inlet air stream for the dehumidification process (also including simultaneous cooling or complete / partial waste heat recovery), during which the desiccant is filled / impregnated with moisture by the adsorption / absorption process. The dehumidified air stream may be discarded, but the moist air stream after two or more such cycles of the two processes (regeneration and dehumidification) within a single unit may be bled out and utilized as a useful product (either as the final product or intermediate product depending on the application), or as a useful product after two or more stages of the aforementioned processes.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, in the illustrated embodiment, HMX1 may be configured to receive a first stream of state D of processing unit 102-1 among a plurality of processing units 102. in in Melt Furthermore, processing unit 102-1, which is HMX2, may be configured to receive a second stream of state R in (referred to interchangeably as R in ) in Melt When receiving the first stream, HMX1, in an initial stage, Melt processes the first stream of out in Melt to generate a first Dilute flow in state D.

[0067] HMX1 may include a first desiccant that absorbs a first amount of solute from the first stream of Melt in an initial stage. The first desiccant may perform sorption such as absorption and adsorption of solute from the first c,in,1 when a first stream of fluid in state W is directed to HMX1. The first stream of fluid can absorb the heat generated during the sorption of the first amount of solute from the first stream of Dilute flow by the first desiccant. Thereby, Melt the first Melt of Dilute flow can be prevented from becoming too hot at the outlet of HMX1.

[0068] Subsequently, when receiving the second stream, HMX2 is in state R in and is in Melt the second stream of, and processes the second stream in state R out and is in Melt the first of Dense flow to generate. HMX2 may include a second desiccant that releases a second amount of solute into the second stream of at an initial stage. In particular, Melt the second stream of may take in solute from the second desiccant when the second stream of fluid in state W Melt is directed to HMX2. h,in,1 When the second stream of fluid is directed to HMX2, the second stream of fluid releases heat to raise the temperature of the second desiccant that releases a second amount of solute within. The second desiccant may perform sorption such as absorption and adsorption of solute from the first

[0069] when the first stream of fluid in state W Melt is directed to HMX1. The first stream of fluid can absorb the heat generated during sorption of the first amount of solute from the first stream of c,in,1 by the first desiccant. Dilute flow During humidification processing, the first Melt in state D generated by HMX1

[0070] can be discarded from system 100. At an initial stage, HMX2 of processing unit 102-1 is configured to supply the first out in state R Dilute flow to HMX2-n of the successive processing unit 102-n among the plurality of processing units 102. In the illustrated embodiment, HMX2 can be configured to supply the first out in state R Melt to HMX2-n (n = 2) of the successive processing unit 102-2 (also referred to interchangeably as processing unit 102-2). The first Dense flow in state R out and is in Melt the first of Dense flow can be directed to HMX2-2 for use as such a stream, i.e., a dehumidified stream, i.e., D out and is in the first of Dense flow can be directed to HMX2-2 for use as such a stream, i.e., a dehumidified stream, i.e., D in-2 as a dehumidified stream, i.e., D.

[0071] Subsequently, in the initial stage, HMX2-2 is in state D in-2 therein Melt of the first Dense flow to process and obtain in state D out-2 therein ​ of ​ can be generated. In the illustrated embodiment, the state D obtained by HMX2-2 out-2 therein ​ can be discarded from the system 100. Further, the processing unit 102-2, which is the first heat and mass exchanger HMX1-2, can be configured to receive another stream, namely the stream in state R in-2 therein ​ of the second stream.

[0072] State R in-2 When receiving the second stream therein, HMX1-2, in the initial stage, processes the second stream in state R in-2 therein ​ to process and obtain in state R out-2 therein ​ of the second ​ can be generated. In one embodiment, ​ of the second ​ can be used as the final product of the system. In another embodiment, the second out-2 therein ​ of the second ​ can be directed to the HMX of the subsequent processing unit 102-n (n = 3).

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the amount of solute in the second out-2 therein ​ of state R ​ is at most greater than the amount of solute in the second stream in state R in-1 therein ​ . Also, the amount of solute in the second out-2 therein ​ of state R ​ is at most greater than the amount of solute in the first out-1 therein ​ of state R ​ of the stream.

[0074] FIG. 9 shows a system for implementing a method of varying the concentration of a solute within a ​ by increasing the concentration of the solute within a ​ within a ​ . For simplicity, features of system 100 that have already been described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 1 and 8 are not described in detail in the description of FIG. 9.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 9, in the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the first out in state R of HMX2 can be supplied to HMX1-n (n = 2) of the continuous unit, i.e., processing unit 102-2. When receiving at least a portion of the first ​ , HMX1-n processes the received portion to generate a second ​ in state R, such as out-2 . The second ​ in state R can be further directed to HMX1-n (n = 3) of a subsequent processing unit, such as processing unit 102-3. ​ out-2 The second ​ in state R can be further directed to HMX1-n (n = 3) of a subsequent processing unit, such as processing unit 102-3.

[0076] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a processing unit of system 100 for implementing a method of varying the concentration of a solute within a ​ by increasing the concentration of the solute within a ​ within a ​ . Details of this embodiment will be described with respect to HMX1 and HMX2 of processing unit 102-1.

[0077] However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this embodiment can be equally implemented with respect to other processing units 102 of system 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For simplicity, features of system 100 that have already been described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 1, 8, and 9 are not described in detail in the description of FIG. 10.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the heat and mass exchanger HMX2 is the first ​ of ​can be configured to supply at least a portion of it to HMX1 of processing unit 102-1. Subsequently, HMX1 ​ of the first ​ processes at least a portion of it to produce out in state D ​ of ​ which can be generated. In the illustrated embodiment, out in state D ​ can be discarded from system 100. In one embodiment, out the first ​ in state R is, in part, i.e., at least a portion of the stream, a dehumidified stream, i.e., D in which can be used. In such an embodiment, ​ the remaining portion of the first

[0079] In another embodiment, out the first ​ in state R can be used entirely as a dehumidified stream, i.e., D in In such an embodiment, out the first ​ in state R can be used entirely as a dehumidified stream until a periodic steady state is achieved. However, when a periodic steady state is achieved, out the first ​ in state R may be used in part as a dehumidified stream, and ​ the remaining portion of the first

[0080] ​ Regarding the details of the system and method for ​ dissolving the solute within, it should be noted that it is described with respect to configurations such as those shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11a, and 11b. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that such details can be equally implemented with respect to other configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0081] Needless to say, all of the different configurations, details of the units, relative directions of air flow and water flow, scale, and duration discussed with respect to the dehumidification process, as well as all possibilities regarding several HMXs, also exist for the humidification process.

[0082] Figures 11a and 11b relate to one embodiment of the present disclosure ​ by increasing the concentration of the solute in ​ in ​ and shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1100 of varying the concentration of. For the sake of simplicity, features of the system 100 that have already been described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 1, 8, 9, and 10 are not described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 11a and 11b.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 11a, at block 1102, method 1100 receives a first flow of in state Din by HMX1 of a plurality of processing units and receives a second flow of in state R ​ by HMX2 of the processing unit. Further, at block 1104, method 1100 processes the first flow of by HMX1 to generate a first of in state D in in ​ . HMX1 includes a first desiccant that absorbs a first amount of solute from the first flow of in an initial stage. ​ of out in ​ first ​ is included. HMX1 includes a first desiccant that absorbs a first amount of solute from the first flow of in an initial stage. ​ of

[0084] Furthermore, at block 1106, the method processes the second flow of by HMX2 in an initial stage to generate a first of in state Rout. HMX2 includes a second desiccant that releases a second amount of solute into the second flow of in an initial stage. At block 1108, the method, in an initial stage, sends the first of in state Rout from the processing unit to HMX2-n of a successive processing unit among the plurality of processing units ​ of ​ first ​ is included. HMX2 includes a second desiccant that releases a second amount of solute into the second flow of in an initial stage. At block 1108, the method, in an initial stage, sends the first of in state Rout from the processing unit to HMX2-n of a successive processing unit among the plurality of processing units ​ of ​ first​ includes inducing.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 10b, in block 1110, method 1100, at an initial stage, processes the first of by HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit ​ to produce in state D ​ of out-n which is in ​ of ​ Further, in block 1112, method 1100 receives the first stream of in state R in-n which is in ​ by HMX1-n of the continuous processing unit. In block 1114, the method, at an initial stage, processes the of by HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit ​ of ​ to produce the second of in state Rout-n ​ of ​ The amount of solute in the second of state R out-n which is in ​ of the second ​ is at most as much as the amount of solute in the second stream of state R out which is in ​ Mathematical model

[0086] ​The mathematical model used in this specification is for simulating the performance of a DCFTHX (desiccant coated fin tube heat exchanger) for the counter-flow arrangement of air flow. This is similar to that presented in the academic journal, Jagirdar M and Lee PS, "Mathematical modeling and performance evaluation of a desiccant coated fin-tube heat exchanger", Applied Energy (2018). The mathematical model as disclosed in the aforementioned academic journal is slightly modified in the recognition of the method(s) as described in this disclosure. The mathematical model implemented in this specification uses the (air) inlet boundary conditions for units such as the HMX to be regenerated in the case of the dehumidification process obtained by Equation (1). It should be noted that this condition is applied to a configuration similar to that of Figure 4(a) where the desired final product is dehumidified air.

[0087]

Number

[0088] On the other hand, for a unit that performs a dehumidification process for a regeneration process such as the HMX, it is obtained by Equation (2). It should be noted that this condition is applied to a configuration similar to that of Figure 10 where the desired final product is humidified air.

[0089]

Number

[0090] Here, Ya(Lx,z,t) is the specific humidity of air at the inlet (x = Lx) of the DCFTHX that regenerates air at position "z" in the direction across the air flow (along the height of the air channel) at time "t". t1 and t2 are the periods of the dehumidification process and the regeneration process, respectively. Hf, Hd, and Ha are the fin thickness, the desiccant layer thickness, and the air channel height, respectively. Experimental data

[0091] Unless otherwise specified, the variables selected for running the simulation are as presented in Table 1 for the dehumidification process and the humidification process. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that Table 1 is included to provide a better understanding of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation.

[0092]

Table 1

[0093] Figures 12a and 12b show graphical plots 1202, 1204 illustrating the variations in specific humidity and temperature with respect to duration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The graphical plots show the variations in specific humidity and temperature for the configuration described in FIG. 1. ​ For experimental purposes, n = 12 (i.e., 12 units or 12 steps) and an air flow rate of 0.759 m / s are considered for both the dehumidifying and regenerating air flows in the countercurrent configuration. ​ The graphical plots show the variations in specific humidity and temperature for the configuration described in FIG. 1. For experimental purposes, n = 12 (i.e., 12 units or 12 steps) and an air flow rate of 0.759 m / s are considered for both the dehumidifying and regenerating air flows in the countercurrent configuration.

[0094] In Fig. 12a, it can be clearly observed that despite the high inlet specific humidity Ya,in,de (0.0197 kg / kg (d.a.)), the outlet specific humidity during dehumidification (0 - 120 seconds) is low. As it progresses from one stage to the next, the outlet specific humidity decreases, and after stage 12, an extremely low specific humidity of 0.000481 kg / kg (d.a.) (time-averaged value during the dehumidification period of 0 - 120 seconds) is achieved. This is unprecedented with a temperature swing of only 10 °C (between the warm water flow and the cold water flow). Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 12b, the temperature of the outlet dehumidified air for all stages approaches the cold water temperature of 30 °C.

[0095] Figs. 12c and 12d show graphical plots 1206, 1208 illustrating the variations of ​ specific humidity and temperature with respect to duration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The graphical plots show the variations in ​ specific humidity and temperature for the configuration described in Fig. 4a. For the purpose of the experiment, the air velocity of the dehumidified air, i.e., D in is set to 0.759 m / s, and the air velocity of the regenerated air, i.e., R in is set to 0.683 m / s. It should be understood that the difference in these velocities is due to a portion of the dehumidified air used as a useful product bleeding out.

[0096] In Fig. 12c, it can be clearly observed that despite the high inlet specific humidity Ya,in,de (0.0197 kg / kg (d.a.)), the outlet specific humidity during dehumidification (0 - 120 seconds) is low (the time-averaged value of the outlet specific humidity during the dehumidification period of 0 - 120 seconds is 0.00297 kg / kg (d.a.)). Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 12d, the temperature of the outlet dehumidified air approaches the cold water temperature of 30 °C during the dehumidification period.

[0097] Fig. 13a shows the ​A psychometric plot 1302 is shown that depicts the time-averaged air state corresponding to []. In particular, the psychometric plot depicts the time-averaged air state corresponding to the dehumidified air flow at the inlet and outlet of unit / stage 1, i.e., processing unit 102-1, and unit / stage 12, i.e., processing unit 102-12, respectively.

[0098] Figure 13b shows a psychometric plot 1304 that depicts the time-averaged air state corresponding to the air entering the processing unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. ​ In particular, the psychometric plot depicts the time-averaged air state corresponding to the dehumidified air flow at the inlet and outlet of processing unit 102-1 as described in Figure 4a.

[0099] Figures 14a and 14b show graphical plots 1402, 1404 that depict the variation of specific humidity and temperature with respect to duration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The graphical plots show the variation in specific humidity and temperature for the configuration described in Figure 1. ​ For experimental purposes, n = 3 (i.e., 3 units or 3 stages) and an air flow rate of 0.759 m / s are considered for both the dehumidifying and regenerating air flows in the countercurrent configuration. ​ In Figure 14a, it can be clearly observed that the outlet specific humidity during humidification is high despite the low inlet specific humidity Ya,in,de (0.0032 kg / kg (d.a.)). As it progresses from one stage to the next, the outlet specific humidity increases, and after stage 3, a specific humidity of 0.011 kg / kg (d.a.) (time-averaged value during the humidification period of 100 - 160 seconds) is achieved. Note that t1 and t2 are variable here. This is unprecedented with a temperature swing of only 10 °C (between the warm water flow and the cold water flow). Further, as shown in Figure 14b, the temperature of the outlet humidified air for all stages approaches a relatively warm water temperature of 25 °C.

[0100] In Figure 14c and Figure 14d show the variation of [] with respect to duration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] Figures 14c and 14d show graphical plots 1402, 1404 that depict the variation of [] with respect to duration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Solution10. Graphical plots 1406, 1408 are shown illustrating the variation of specific humidity and temperature for the configuration described in FIG. Solution The variations in specific humidity and temperature are shown in Fig. 14a. In Fig. 14a it can be clearly observed that the inlet specific humidity Ya,in,de is low (0.0032 kg / kg(da)), while the outlet specific humidity during humidification is high, the value being 0.0103 kg / kg(da) in cycle 5 (time averaged value during the humidification period from 120 to 180 seconds). Note that t1 and t2 are different here and vary from cycle to cycle. This is unprecedented for a temperature swing of only 10 °C (between the hot and cold water flows). As can be seen in Fig. 14b, the temperature of the outlet humidified air in all stages approaches the relatively warm water temperature of 25 °C.

[0102] FIG. 15a illustrates a block diagram of a system of a first processing unit 102-4 and a last processing unit 102-n according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Solution 8 shows a psychometric plot 1502 illustrating time-averaged air conditions corresponding to the dehumidified airflow in a configuration as shown in FIG. 8 of the present disclosure. In particular, the psychometric plot illustrates time-averaged air conditions corresponding to the dehumidified airflow at the inlet and outlet of unit / stage 1, i.e., processing unit 102-1, and unit / stage 3, i.e., processing unit 102-3, respectively.

[0103] FIG. 15b is a block diagram of a processing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Solution 10. In particular, the psychometric plot illustrates the time-averaged air conditions corresponding to the humidified air flows at the inlet and outlet of the processing unit 102-1 described in FIG.

[0104] The method(s) implemented in the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 4a for dehumidifying air has / have ultimately been shown to function very well with respect to the reduction of specific humidity achieved for a small temperature difference between the heating and cooling fluid (in this case, water). Among several possible configurations for identifying new methods for dehumidification, two configurations were tested, one having multiple stages and the other including re-inducing the dehumidified air in the same unit for regeneration. The generated air at the outlet of the tested configurations had a humidity of approximately 0.0005 kg / kg (d.a.) and approximately 0.003 kg / kg (d.a.), respectively, when the inlet air humidity was 0.0197 kg / kg (d.a).

[0105] The method(s) implemented in the configuration shown in Figures 8 and 10 for humidifying air has / have also ultimately been shown to function very well. The achievable specific humidity is very high. In fact, using this method, even with a small temperature difference between the heating and cooling fluid (in this case, water), the relative humidity can theoretically reach saturation (100%). Among several possible configurations for identifying new methods for humidification, two configurations were tested, one having multiple stages and the other including dehumidifying the humidified air in the same unit for regeneration. The generated air at the outlet of the tested configurations had a humidity of 0.011 kg / kg (d.a.) and 0.0103 kg / kg (d.a.), respectively, when the inlet specific humidity was 0.0032 kg / kg (d.a).

[0106] The method(s) described in this disclosure can be used in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, desalination, water distillation, and humidifiers that can also be used in power plants, industries, etc. Therefore, the method(s) of this disclosure have a wide range of applications.

[0107] Certain terms are used to describe the present subject matter, but no limitations are intended as a result thereof. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various operational modifications can be made to the method to implement the inventive concept taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description provide examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of the described elements can be successfully combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, a particular element can be divided into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment can be added to another embodiment.

Claims

1. A method for changing the concentration of a solute in a melt, comprising: By a first heat and mass exchanger (HMX1) of the processing units among the plurality of processing units, state D ｉｎ receiving a first flow of the melt in, and by a second heat and mass exchanger HMX2 of the processing unit, state R ｉｎ receiving a second flow of the melt in; and Processing the first flow of the melt by the HMX1 to state D ｏｕｔ Generating a first lean flow of the melt in ｏｕｔ , where the HMX1 includes a first desiccant that absorbs a first amount of the solute from the first flow of the melt at an initial stage; and processing; In the initial stage, the second flow of the melt is processed by the HMX2 to produce a first concentrated flow of the melt in state R ｏｕｔ which is to generate a first concentrated flow of the melt in state R, where the HMX2 includes a second desiccant that releases a second amount of the solute within the second flow of the melt in the initial stage; and processing; In the initial stage, the first dilute stream of the melt in the state D ｏｕｔ is induced from the processing unit to the first heat and mass exchanger HMX1-n of the continuous processing unit among the plurality of processing units; and In the initial stage, the first dilute stream of the melt is processed by the HMX1-n of the continuous processing unit to obtain a thick stream of the melt in state R ｏｕｔ－ｎ generating a thick stream of the melt in state R; and Receiving, by the second heat and mass exchanger HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit, the first flow of the melt in state D ｉｎ－ｎ ; and In the initial stage, the first flow of the melt is processed by the HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit to obtain a second dilute flow of the melt in state D, where the amount of solute in the second dilute flow of the melt in state D is less than the amount of solute in the first flow of the melt in state D. The method includes the processing. ｏｕｔ－ｎ generating a second dilute flow of the melt in state D, where the amount of solute in the second dilute flow of the melt in state D ｏｕｔ－ｎ is less than the amount of solute in the first flow of the melt in state D, and the processing. ｉｎ A method comprising the above.

2. In a subsequent stage, the mutual exchange of the operations of the HMX1-n and the HMX2-n is as follows: the said first dilute flow of the said melt in the said state D ｏｕｔ inducing the said first dilute flow of the said melt in the said state D into the said HMX2-n of the said continuous processing unit; and Processing the first dilute stream of the melt by the HMX2-n to produce the concentrated stream of the melt in the state R ｏｕｔ－ｎ Producing the concentrated stream of the melt in the state R, wherein the HMX2-n comprises a desiccant adapted to release at least a portion of the solute absorbed / adsorbed during the initial stage; and processing; Receiving, by the HMX1-n of the continuous processing unit, the first flow of the melt in the state D; and, ｉｎ－ｎ ​ processing the first flow of the melt by the HMX1-n to produce the second lean flow of the melt in the state D ｏｕｔ－ｎ producing the second lean flow of the melt in the state D, wherein the HMX1-n comprises a desiccant adapted to reabsorb an amount of the solute to produce the second lean flow of the melt, and processing, the method of claim 1 comprising.

3. As follows: In the initial stage, guiding at least a part of the first dilute flow of the melt from the HMX1 of the processing unit to the HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit; and Processing at least a part of the first dilute stream by the HMX2-n to obtain the state D ｏｕｔ－ｎ generating the second dilute stream in the state D, the method according to claim 1, further comprising.

4. As follows: Said state D of said melt ｏｕｔ Inducing at least a part of said first lean stream in said state D to a third heat and mass exchanger HMX3 of said processing unit; and processing at least a part of the first dilute stream of the melt by the HMX3 of the processing unit to produce a concentrated stream of the melt in state R ｏｕｔ The method according to claim 1, further comprising: generating a concentrated stream of the melt in ｏｕｔ .

5. As follows: State W ｃ，ｉｎ，１ Inducing a first flow of the fluid in the state W to the HMX1, wherein the first flow of the fluid absorbs heat generated during absorption of the first amount of the solute from the first flow of the melt by the first desiccant; and State W ｈ，ｉｎ，１ inducing a second flow of the fluid in the state W to the HMX2, wherein the second flow of the fluid raises the temperature of the second desiccant that releases heat and releases the second amount of the solute in the melt, and the method according to claim 1, further comprising inducing.

6. As follows: State W ｃ，ｉｎ，ｎ Inducing a first flow of water in the state W to the HMX1-n, wherein the first flow of water absorbs heat generated during absorption of the first amount of the solute from the first flow of the melt; and State W ｈ，ｉｎ，ｎ inducing a second flow of water in the state W into the HMX2-n, wherein the second flow of water raises the temperature of the second desiccant that releases heat and releases the second amount of the solute in the melt, and the inducing; The method according to claim 1, further comprising.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein each of the first desiccant and the second desiccant is one of a liquid desiccant, a solid desiccant, and pellets of a solid desiccant.

8. A method for changing the concentration of a solute in a melt, comprising: Receive, by the first heat and mass exchanger HMX1 of the processing unit, the first flow of the melt in state D ｉｎ and; Processing the first flow of the melt by the HMX1 to obtain a state D ｏｕｔ Generating a first dilute flow of the melt in state D, wherein the HMX1 includes a first desiccant that absorbs a first amount of the solute from the first flow of the melt at an initial stage; and processing; In the initial stage, guiding a second flow of the melt, which consists of at least a part of the first dilute flow of the melt, from the HMX1 to the second heat and mass exchanger HMX2 of the processing unit; and The HMX2 processes the second stream to produce a concentrated stream of the melt in state R ｏｕｔ by generating a concentrated stream of the melt in state R, where the HMX2 includes a second desiccant that releases a second amount of the solute within the second stream of the melt at the initial stage; and, processing; Guiding the first flow of the melt in the state Din to the HMX2 over a first duration; and Processing the first flow of the melt in the state Din to generate a first concentrated flow of the melt in the state Rout; and Guiding at least a part of the first dilute flow of the melt in the state Dout to the HMX1 from the HMX1 over a second duration following the first duration; and Processing at least the part of the first dilute flow of the melt by the HMX2 to generate a concentrated flow of the melt in the state Rout, the method comprising.

9. As follows: the said thick flow of the said melt in the said state R ｏｕｔ inducing the said thick flow of the said melt in the said state R from the said HMX2 to the said HMX1; and Processing the concentrated flow of the melt by the HMX1 to obtain the first dilute flow of the melt in the state D ｏｕｔ The method according to claim 8, further comprising generating the first dilute flow of the melt in the state D

10. A method for changing the concentration of a solute in a melt, comprising: The first heat and mass exchanger HMX1 of the processing units among the plurality of processing units brings the melt in state D ｉｎ to receive the first flow of the melt in state D, and the second heat and mass exchanger HMX2 of the processing unit brings the melt in state R ｉｎ to receive the second flow of the melt in state R; and processing the first flow of the melt by the HMX1 to produce a first lean flow of the melt in state D, wherein the HMX1 includes a first desiccant that absorbs a first amount of the solute from the first flow of the melt at an initial stage; and ｏｕｔ generating a first lean flow of the melt in state D, wherein the HMX1 includes a first desiccant that absorbs a first amount of the solute from the first flow of the melt at an initial stage; In the initial stage, the second flow of the melt is processed by the HMX2 to produce a first concentrated flow of the melt in state R ｏｕｔ which is to generate a first concentrated flow of the melt in state R, wherein the HMX2 includes a second desiccant that releases a second amount of the solute in the second flow of the melt in the initial stage; and the processing; In the initial stage, the first thick flow of the melt in the state R ｏｕｔ is induced from the processing unit to the second heat and mass exchanger HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit among the plurality of processing units; and In the initial stage, the first thick stream of the melt is processed by the HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit to obtain state D ｏｕｔ－ｎ generating a dilute stream of the melt in state D; and Receiving, by the first heat and mass exchanger HMX1-n of the continuous processing unit, the first flow of the melt in state R ｉｎ－ｎ and; In the initial stage, processing the thick stream of the melt by the HMX2-n of the continuous processing unit to produce a second thick stream of the melt in state R ｏｕｔ－ｎ wherein the amount of solute in the second thick stream of the melt in state R is greater than the amount of solute in the second stream of the melt in state R, and processing, a method comprising: ｏｕｔ－ｎ wherein the amount of solute in the second thick stream of the melt in state R ｏｕｔ is greater than the amount of solute in the second stream of the melt in state R

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein in a subsequent stage, the operations of the HMX1-n and the HXM2-n are mutually exchanged with each other.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein each of the first desiccant and the second desiccant is one of a liquid desiccant, a solid desiccant, and pellets of a solid desiccant.

13. As follows: In the initial stage, guiding the first thick flow of the melt in the state R ｉｎ to the HMX2 of the processing unit; and By means of the HMX2, processing the first thick flow of the melt in the state R ｉｎ to generate a second thick flow of the melt in the state R; and ｏｕｔ ​ Guiding at least a part of the second concentrated flow of the melt to the HMX1 of the processing unit; and processing at least a portion of the second concentrated stream of the melt by the HMX1 to produce the dilute stream of the melt in the state D ｏｕｔ and generating a dilute stream of the melt in the state D, the method according to claim 10, further comprising.

14. As follows: In the initial stage, at least a part of the first thick flow of the melt in the state R ｏｕｔ is induced from the HMX2 to the HMX1-n; and processing at least a portion of the first enriched stream of the melt to produce an enriched stream of the melt in state R ｏｕｔ－ｎ The method of claim 10, further comprising generating an enriched stream of the melt in state R

15. A method for changing the concentration of a solute in a melt, comprising: Receiving, by a first heat and mass exchanger unit HMX1 of the processing units among the plurality of processing units, a first flow of the melt in state D ｉｎ ; and processing, by the HMX1 of the processing unit, the first flow of the melt to obtain a first dilute flow of the melt in state D, where the HMX1 processes the first flow of the melt by including a desiccant that absorbs a first predetermined amount of the solute from the first flow of the melt; and ｏｕｔ generating the first dilute flow of the melt in state D, where the HMX1 processes the first flow of the melt by including a desiccant that absorbs a first predetermined amount of the solute from the first flow of the melt; and Guiding the desiccant from the HMX1 to the second heat and mass exchanger HMX2 of the processing unit, and guiding the concentrated stream of the melt in state R ｉｎ１ to the HMX2; and Processing the first concentrated stream of the melt by the HMX2 to produce a first concentrated stream of the melt, wherein the desiccant received by the HMX2 releases and processes at least the first predetermined amount of the solute absorbed / adsorbed from the first stream of the melt in the HMX1; and feeding the desiccant from the HMX2 to a third heat and mass exchanger HMX3 of the processing unit and inducing at least a portion of a first lean stream of the melt in the state D ｏｕｔ from the HMX1 to the HMX3; and Processing at least a portion of the first dilute stream of the melt by the HMX3 to produce a second concentrated stream of the melt, wherein the desiccant received by the HMX3 from the HMX2 releases and processes at least a second predetermined amount of the solute absorbed / adsorbed from the first stream of the melt in the HMX1; and Directing the desiccant from the HMX3 to the HMX1 of the processing unit, wherein the desiccant reabsorbs a second amount of the solute from another stream directed to the HMX1, the method comprising.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the desiccant is one of a liquid desiccant and pellets of a solid desiccant.

Images