Gas Sorption Systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gas sorption system for removing moisture, carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds or mixtures thereof from air. The gas sorption system comprises a primary sorption unit, a primary treatment air circuit configured to direct a primary treatment air flow through a primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit, a primary regeneration air circuit configured to direct a primary regeneration air flow through the primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit, and a purge air circuit configured to direct a purge air flow through the primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit, the purge air flow being configured to flow through the primary sorption rotor in the same direction as the primary regeneration air flow. The gas sorption system further comprises a pre-treatment unit connected to the primary regeneration air circuit upstream of the primary sorption unit, the pre-treatment unit configured to heat and / or dehumidify the primary regeneration air flow upstream of the primary sorption unit. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling a gas sorption system, performed by a control device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gas sorption system and a method for controlling a gas sorption system. Gases of interest for removal from air may be moisture, carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds. The present disclosure also relates to a computer program and a computer-readable medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Dehumidifiers, such as sorption dehumidifiers and condensation dehumidifiers, are used to separate and remove moisture from air. Sorption dehumidifiers typically include a dehumidifying element in the form of a wheel or rotor carrying a desiccant material effective at attracting and retaining water vapor. Dehumidifiers may include two sections for the desiccant rotor: a processing section and a regeneration section. The process air, the air stream to be dehumidified, passes through the processing section and then through the desiccant rotor. The desiccant material in the rotor extracts moisture from the process air, allowing it to exit the rotor as dry air. Simultaneously, the desiccant material is regenerated by another air stream flowing through the regeneration section while the desiccant rotor slowly rotates around its longitudinal axis. Simultaneous dehumidification of the process air and regeneration of the desiccant material allow the dehumidifier to operate continuously. US2007056307 discloses an example of a dehumidifier with a desiccant wheel.

[0003] For the regeneration process to be effective, the air stream used to regenerate the desiccant material in the rotor must be at a relatively high temperature and typically must be heated. It can be advantageous to cool the process air prior to the dehumidifier inlet to remove moisture by cooling. The heat removed from the process air stream during cooling can be transferred to the regeneration air stream by incorporating a heat pump into the dehumidification system. US 2005 / 0050906 A1 provides an example of this, where the process air is cooled by a heat pump evaporator prior to the dehumidifier inlet, and the regeneration air is heated by a heat pump condenser.

[0004] For economic reasons and climatic considerations, there is a continuing interest in minimizing the energy consumption of the dehumidification process and in obtaining stable operation of the dehumidification units.

[0005] An even more effective regeneration process may be achieved if an additional air flow, i.e., a purge air flow, is used to regenerate the desiccant material in the rotor. Furthermore, a lower dew point of the process air supplied from the sorption dehumidifier may be achieved if two desiccant rotors are arranged in series. [Publication JP4990443B2] A two-stage dehumidification device is disclosed, which is composed of a first rotor and a second rotor. Each rotor is provided with passages for process air, regeneration air, and purge air. The process air passage downstream of the first rotor is connected to the process air passage upstream of the second rotor.

[0006] The operating principles of sorption systems targeting gases other than moisture are similar to those of dehumidification systems, except that different sorbents are used in the wheels or rotors. Therefore, it is appropriate to replace the desiccant rotor of a dehumidification system with a sorption rotor for removing carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Systems for manufacturing or other industrial processes often emit particulates and smoke or exhaust steam as by-products, which may contain gaseous air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds. For environmental and health reasons, and to comply with environmental laws, it is desirable to remove VOCs before emitting the smoke to the atmosphere. VOC reduction devices equipped with rotor elements that hold a medium for VOC removal have been used to reduce VOCs in industrial process gases. Certain known VOC reduction systems utilize rotor elements that hold a medium for VOC removal. One example of such a medium is zeolite, an inorganic crystal with suitable properties for adsorbing VOCs. As the rotor elements rotate at a controlled speed, a process air stream containing VOCs is directed through a defined adsorption zone of the device, departing as substantially clean air as the zeolite adsorbs and removes a majority of the VOCs from the process air stream. The cleaned air can then be safely discharged to the atmosphere. As the rotor elements continue to rotate, the zeolite portion of the rotor elements that has adsorbed the VOCs is moved to a defined desorption or regeneration zone. To remove the VOCs adsorbed by the rotor elements, heated regeneration air is directed through the rotor elements in the regeneration zone of the VOC reduction device. The removed VOCs are carried in a concentrated air stream away from the rotor for further processing. In this manner, the continued rotation of the rotor elements moves the adsorbed VOCs from the adsorption zone to the regeneration zone, where the VOCs are removed from the rotor elements. The regenerated sector of the rotor then returns to the adsorption zone, where the process air stream flows through the rotor elements in a continuous process. The VOC-enriched air stream can be sent to an oxidizer and / or catalyst, where the VOCs are converted into by-products such as water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2).Such zeolite rotor elements can be incorporated into more complex systems comprising one or more rotor elements and corresponding drive motors and various motor-driven fans. Document US2018154303A1 discloses an apparatus for removing specific substances from a process gas stream comprising a rotor element. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The dehumidification capacity of a dehumidifier can generally be modified by increasing or decreasing the process air flow and / or increasing the regeneration energy. Furthermore, separate sectors on the desiccant rotor can improve dehumidification capacity, achieve very low dew points, produce dry process air, and save heating energy through heat recovery and temperature change of the rotor material. In addition to the process and regeneration sectors, a purge air sector may also be located on the desiccant rotor. The purge air sector achieves a low dry air dew point, reduces the heater energy required for the regeneration air flow, and reduces the cooling energy required for the process air temperature downstream of the desiccant rotor. Because the operating principles of sorption systems for gases other than moisture are similar to those of dehumidification systems, all statements regarding dehumidification in this text also apply to the sorption and removal of carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds when different sorbents are used in the wheel or rotor.

[0008] Despite known solutions in this area, it would be desirable to develop a gas sorption system and method of controlling a gas sorption system that overcomes or mitigates at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas sorption system and a method for controlling a gas sorption system that allows for low dew points and therefore dry air.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gas sorption system and method for controlling a gas sorption system that allows for the sorption and removal of carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and volatile organic compounds.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gas sorption system and a method for controlling a gas sorption system that takes into account energy efficiency.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gas sorption system and a method for controlling a gas sorption system that allows for stable, reliable and effective treatment of air, thereby improving the function / performance of the gas sorption system.

[0013] These objects are achieved by the above-mentioned gas sorption system and method for controlling a gas sorption system as set forth in the appended claims. These objects are also achieved by the above-mentioned computer program and computer-readable medium as set forth in the appended claims.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas sorption system comprising: a primary sorption unit; a primary treatment air circuit configured to direct a primary treatment air flow through a primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit; a primary regeneration air circuit configured to direct a primary regeneration air flow through the primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit; and a purge air circuit configured to direct a purge air flow through the primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit, the purge air flow configured to flow through the primary sorption rotor in the same direction as the primary regeneration air flow, the gas sorption system further comprising a pre-treatment unit connected to the primary regeneration air circuit upstream of the primary sorption unit, the pre-treatment unit configured to heat and / or dehumidify the primary regeneration air flow upstream of the primary sorption unit.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a gas sorption system, the method being executed by a control device, the gas sorption system comprising: a primary sorption unit; a primary treatment air circuit configured to direct a primary treatment air stream through a primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit; a primary regeneration air circuit configured to direct a primary regeneration air stream through the primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit; a purge air circuit configured to direct a purge air stream through the primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit, the purge air circuit configured to flow through the primary sorption rotor in the same direction as the primary regeneration air stream; and a control device, the gas sorption system further comprising a pre-treatment unit connected to the primary regeneration air circuit upstream of the primary sorption unit, the pre-treatment unit configured to heat and / or dehumidify the primary regeneration air stream upstream of the primary sorption unit, the method including: controlling the primary sorption unit in response to characteristics of the primary treatment air in the primary treatment air stream downstream of the primary sorption unit; and controlling the pre-treatment unit in response to characteristics of the primary reactivation air in the primary reactivation air stream upstream of the primary sorption unit.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method. Also provided is a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method. This has the advantage that the method can be included in pre-programmed software which can be implemented in a control device of a system suitable for utilizing the method.

[0017] An advantage of the present invention is that the gas sorption system and method for controlling the gas sorption system enable low dew points and therefore dry air. Low dew points, especially ultra-low dew points, are achieved by regenerating the rotor to a very dry state and then recooling it with the rotor's purge sector. The purge sector improves regeneration efficiency, allowing even thick rotors to utilize the full potential of the sorption rotor. A further advantage of the present invention is that the gas sorption system and method for controlling the gas sorption system enable sorption and removal of carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds. A further advantage of the present invention is that the gas sorption system and method for controlling the gas sorption system take energy efficiency into account, thereby enabling the use of rotors with smaller diameters and higher linear flow rates to achieve low dew points and therefore dry air, while simultaneously achieving energy savings due to the lower temperature requirements of the reactivation air stream. A further advantage of the present invention is that the gas sorption system and method for controlling the gas sorption system enable stable, reliable, and effective treatment of air, thereby improving the function / performance of the gas sorption system.

[0018] The removed carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds carried in the regeneration air stream will become concentrated when processed in a gas sorption system. The concentrated carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds may be sent to a converter that converts the carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds to by-products such as water vapor and CO2 by oxidation in an oxidation converter, or converts the carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds to by-products by other means, such as condensation in a refrigeration converter or precipitation in a precipitation converter.

[0019] Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and by practice of the invention. While the present invention is described below, it will be apparent that the invention may not be limited to the details specifically set forth. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings herein, will recognize additional applications, modifications, and incorporation into other fields that are within the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and further objects and advantages thereof, the following detailed description should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate similar items in the various views.

[0021] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating perspective views of a gas sorption system according to certain examples. [Figure 2] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of gas sorption systems according to various examples. [Figure 3] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of gas sorption systems according to various examples. [Figure 4] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of gas sorption systems according to various examples. [Figure 5] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of gas sorption systems according to various examples. [Figure 6] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams of gas sorption systems according to various examples. [Figure 7] 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a device or computer according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The detailed description with reference to the illustrated examples should be considered as examples including combinations of specific features, which features have been described in detail above. Therefore, it should be understood that additional examples may be realized by combining other features with examples not shown herein. The figures should be considered as examples, not mutually exclusive combinations. It should also be noted that all figures shown and described are schematic, and for simplicity, general parts of machines, etc. are not shown.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a gas sorption system comprising: a primary sorption unit; a primary treatment air circuit configured to direct a primary treatment air flow through a primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit; a primary regeneration air circuit configured to direct a primary regeneration air flow through the primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit; and a purge air circuit configured to direct a purge air flow through the primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit, the purge air flow configured to flow through the primary sorption rotor in the same direction as the primary regeneration air flow, the gas sorption system further comprising a pre-treatment unit connected to the primary regeneration air circuit upstream of the primary sorption unit, the pre-treatment unit configured to heat and / or dehumidify the primary regeneration air flow upstream of the primary sorption unit.

[0024] For dehumidification, gas sorption systems are configured to treat air to separate and remove moisture, such as water vapor, from the air. When all or most of the moisture is removed from the air, very dry or ultra-dry air may be obtained. Such dry air may be conveyed to a dry space or room where operations, such as manufacturing processes, occur in the surrounding space that create a high demand for dry air. Gas sorption systems may also be configured to treat and remove carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds, or even mixtures of these substances from the air.

[0025] The main sorption unit may include a main desiccant rotor for dehumidification. The main desiccant rotor holds a desiccant material that is effective in attracting and retaining water vapor. The main process air flow flows through the main process air circuit and passes through the main desiccant rotor. The desiccant material in the main desiccant rotor extracts moisture from the main process air in the main process air flow, allowing the main process air to exit the main desiccant rotor as dry air. The moisture extracted from the main process air is removed from the desiccant material in the main desiccant rotor by the main regeneration air flow that flows through the main regeneration air circuit and passes through the main desiccant rotor. The moisture removed from the desiccant material is carried away from the main desiccant rotor by the main regeneration air flow in the main regeneration air circuit downstream of the main desiccant rotor.

[0026] In addition to the main treatment airflow and the main regeneration airflow, a purge airflow is also configured to pass through the main desiccant rotor. The purge airflow is configured to flow through the purge air circuit of the main sorption dehumidifier unit. Therefore, the main sorption dehumidifier unit is configured with three sections for the main desiccant rotor: the main treatment section, the main regeneration section, and the purge section. As the main regeneration airflow passes through the rotor, the temperature of the main desiccant rotor increases. To effectively capture moisture and water from the main treatment airflow in the main desiccant rotor, it is desirable to lower the temperature of the portion of the main desiccant rotor where the main regeneration airflow passes through the main desiccant rotor. Therefore, the purge airflow is guided through the purge sector. The purge airflow may have a lower temperature than the main regeneration airflow passing through the main desiccant rotor. Therefore, the purge airflow lowers the temperature of the portion or section of the main desiccant rotor where the main regeneration airflow passes through the main desiccant rotor. The purge air flow is configured so that the purge inlet air is drier than the process inlet air. The purge air flow is configured to pass through the main desiccant rotor in the same direction as the main regeneration air flow. This causes the purge air flow to push any moisture still present in the main desiccant rotor out of the main desiccant rotor. Therefore, the purge air flow penetrates deeper into the main desiccant rotor than is possible with the main regeneration air flow and prior art purge configurations.

[0027] The pre-treatment unit may be configured to heat the main regeneration airflow upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit. Moisture removal from the desiccant material in the main desiccant rotor occurs by increasing the temperature of the main regeneration airflow passing through the main desiccant rotor. Therefore, the high temperature of the main regeneration airflow heats the desiccant material in the main desiccant rotor. As a result, moisture is extracted from the desiccant material and carried away from the main desiccant rotor by the main regeneration airflow.

[0028] The pre-treatment unit may be configured to dehumidify the main regeneration air stream upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit. Removal of moisture from the desiccant material in the main desiccant rotor occurs by reducing the presence of moisture in the main regeneration air stream passing through the main desiccant rotor. Therefore, the reduced presence of moisture in the main regeneration air stream results in moisture being extracted from the desiccant material and carried away from the main desiccant rotor by the main regeneration air stream.

[0029] The pre-treatment unit may be configured to heat and dehumidify the main regeneration air stream upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit. Moisture is removed from the desiccant material in the main desiccant rotor by increasing the temperature of the main regeneration air stream and reducing the presence of moisture in the main regeneration air stream passing through the main desiccant rotor. Therefore, a high temperature and low moisture content in the main regeneration air stream heats the desiccant material in the main desiccant rotor, causing moisture to be extracted from the desiccant material. As a result, moisture is extracted from the desiccant material and carried away from the main desiccant rotor by the main regeneration air stream.

[0030] All components of the gas sorption system may be connected to a control device, which may be configured to control the gas sorption system for the treatment of air to separate and remove gases, such as water vapor, from the air.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the pre-treatment unit comprises a heat pump with an evaporator and a condenser, and the main regeneration air circuit is connected to the condenser of the heat pump upstream of the main sorption unit.

[0032] Heat removed from the refrigerant fluid in the heat pump evaporator may be transferred to the inlet regeneration air through the heat pump's refrigerant circuit and condenser.

[0033] An electric heater may be provided in the main regeneration air flow circuit upstream of the main desiccant rotor and configured to optionally heat the main inlet regeneration air flow as needed.

[0034] According to one aspect, the purge air circuit is connected to the main process air circuit downstream of the main sorption unit, and the purge inlet air flow is configured to be collected from the main process outlet air flow in the main process air circuit.

[0035] The main process air stream downstream of the main sorption unit, and therefore downstream of the main desiccant rotor, is very dry. Collecting a purge air stream from the dry main process air stream in the main process air circuit provides a purge air stream passing through the main desiccant rotor that has a lower temperature than the temperature of the main regeneration air stream passing through the main desiccant rotor. The purge air stream thus reduces the temperature of the portion or section of the main desiccant rotor through which the main regeneration air stream passes. Because the purge air stream remains in the dry main process air stream downstream of the main desiccant rotor, the dry purge air stream extracts any moisture still present in the main desiccant rotor and pushes it out of the main desiccant rotor.

[0036] According to one aspect, the purge air circuit and the regeneration air circuit are connected to the main process air circuit downstream of the main sorption unit, and the purge air stream and the regeneration air stream are configured to be collected from the main process air stream in the main process air circuit.

[0037] The purge air stream downstream of the main sorption unit, and therefore downstream of the main desiccant rotor, is dry and warm because it passes through the area immediately before the main desiccant rotor where the warm main regeneration air stream passed through the main desiccant rotor. Therefore, the temperature of the dry purge air stream increases as it passes through the main desiccant rotor.

[0038] Thus, the purge air stream downstream of the main sorption unit is dry and warm and can be used for the main reactivation air stream, which results in energy savings because the main reactivation air stream requires less heating in the reactivation air stream heater and no additional dehumidification is required.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the purge air circuit downstream of the primary sorption dehumidifier unit is connected to the condenser of the heat pump, and the primary regeneration air flow is collected from the purge air flow in the purge air circuit.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the system further comprises an intermediate fluid circuit including a cooling fluid C configured to cool the main process air in the first cooler before the process air enters the main sorption unit, the intermediate fluid circuit comprising a fluid pump and a fluid conduit configured to direct the cooling fluid C through the first cooler and through an evaporator of the heat pump.

[0041] Heat removed from the refrigerant fluid in the heat pump evaporator can be transferred to the main inlet regeneration air stream via the heat pump's refrigerant circuit and condenser, i.e., heat removed from the main process air stream in the first cooler can be used to heat the main inlet regeneration air stream via the intermediate fluid circuit and the heat pump's refrigerant circuit.

[0042] Advantageously, the control device is configured to control the flow of coolant in the intermediate fluid circuit so that the heat removed from the main inlet process air flow in the first cooler and the main outlet regeneration air flow in the first cooler is substantially equivalent to the heat required to transfer to the main inlet regeneration air flow in the condenser of the heat pump to reach a predetermined temperature at the main regeneration air inlet of the main sorption unit, thereby substantially eliminating the need for additional heating by an electric heater.

[0043] A variety of heat pump devices are available in the art, and their components, such as evaporators and condensers, are selected according to the selected configuration of the intermediate fluid circuit. Therefore, different evaporator and condenser structures may be appropriate, and it is also contemplated that multiple evaporator and / or condenser units may be used, arranged in series or parallel. The same applies to coolers and heaters, where various heat exchanger designs and multiple units may be used as needed.

[0044] According to one aspect, the pre-treatment unit comprises a pre-sorption unit, a pre-treatment air circuit configured to direct a pre-treatment air stream through a pre-sorption rotor in the pre-sorption unit, and a pre-regeneration air circuit configured to direct a regeneration air stream through the pre-sorption rotor in the pre-sorption unit, the pre-treatment air circuit being connected to the main regeneration air circuit upstream of the main sorption rotor to direct the pre-treatment air stream to the regeneration air circuit.

[0045] For dehumidification, the presorption unit includes a pre-rotor. The pre-desiccant rotor contains a desiccant material that attracts and retains water vapor. The pre-treatment air stream flows through the pre-treatment air circuit and passes through the pre-desiccant rotor. The desiccant material in the pre-desiccant rotor extracts moisture from the pre-treatment air in the pre-treatment air stream, allowing the pre-treatment air to exit the pre-desiccant rotor as dry air. The moisture extracted from the pre-treatment air is removed from the desiccant material in the pre-desiccant rotor by the pre-regeneration air stream that enters the pre-regeneration air circuit and flows through the pre-desiccant rotor. The moisture removed from the desiccant material is carried from the pre-desiccant rotor by the pre-regeneration air stream in the pre-desiccant air circuit downstream of the pre-desiccant rotor. The pre-sorption unit provides regeneration air to the main sorption unit. This is possible because the pre-treatment air circuit is connected to the main regeneration air circuit upstream of the main desiccant rotor. The pre-treatment air stream is then delivered to the main regeneration air stream inlet of the main sorption unit. The advantage of this configuration is that the dry air required for regeneration is taken from the pre-sorption dehumidifier rather than from the treatment outlet air of the main sorption dehumidifier. Therefore, more dry air can be produced.

[0046] Because the volumetric flow rate of the main regeneration air stream is smaller than the volumetric flow rate of the main treatment air stream passing through the main desiccant rotor, and the pre-treatment air stream from the pre-desiccant rotor is conveyed to the main desiccant rotor as the main regeneration air stream, the size of the pre-desiccant rotor may be smaller than that of the main desiccant rotor. An advantage of this configuration is that the overall size of the pre-sorption unit may be smaller than that of the main sorption unit, and therefore the overall size of the pre-sorption unit and main sorption unit combined may be smaller. This may reduce the space required for installing the gas sorption system.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the pre-treatment air circuit is connected to the purge air circuit upstream of the main sorption rotor to direct the pre-treatment air flow into the purge air circuit.

[0048] In addition to connecting the pre-treatment air circuit to the main regeneration air circuit upstream of the main desiccant rotor, the pre-treatment air circuit may also be connected to the purge air circuit upstream of the main desiccant rotor. Thus, the pre-sorption unit supplies regeneration air and purge air to the main sorption unit. This is possible because the pre-treatment air circuit is connected to the main regeneration air circuit upstream of the main desiccant rotor, as well as to the purge air circuit. Thus, the pre-treatment air flow is delivered to the inlet of the main regeneration air flow and the inlet of the purge air flow of the main sorption unit.

[0049] According to one aspect, the pre-sorption rotor is configured to direct the pre-treated air stream through a purge air circuit to a main regeneration air circuit.

[0050] The purge air circuit downstream of the main desiccant rotor may be connected to the main regeneration air circuit upstream of the main desiccant rotor. Further, the purge air circuit upstream of the main desiccant rotor may be connected to the pre-treatment air circuit downstream of the pre-desiccant rotor. As a result of this configuration, the pre-desiccant rotor may be configured to direct the pre-treatment air flow through the purge air circuit to the main regeneration air circuit. This means that the pre-treatment air flow first passes through the main desiccant rotor as purge air, and then the purge air passes through the main desiccant rotor again as main regeneration air.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the condenser of the heat pump is connected to the pre-treatment air circuit downstream of the pre-sorption rotor and to the main regeneration air circuit upstream of the main sorption rotor.

[0052] By locating the heat pump condenser between the pre-sorption unit and the main sorption unit, the temperature of the main regeneration air stream is increased before passing through the main desiccant rotor. Alternatively, the pre-desiccant rotor is configured to direct the pre-treated air stream into the main regeneration air circuit via the purge air circuit, and the heat pump condenser is located in the main regeneration air circuit upstream of the main rotor.

[0053] According to one aspect, the system further includes an intermediate fluid circuit containing a cooling fluid configured to cool the process air in the first cooler before the process air enters the main unit, the intermediate fluid circuit including a fluid pump and a fluid conduit configured to direct the cooling fluid C through the first cooler and an evaporator of the heat pump.

[0054] Heat removed from the refrigerant fluid in the heat pump evaporator can be transferred to the main inlet regeneration air stream via the heat pump's refrigerant circuit and condenser. That is, heat removed from the main process air stream in the first cooler can be used to heat the main inlet regeneration air stream via the intermediate fluid circuit and the heat pump's refrigerant circuit. Because the heat pump's condenser is connected to the pre-process air circuit downstream of the pre-desiccant rotor and to the main regeneration air circuit upstream of the main desiccant rotor, the pre-process air stream and, therefore, the main inlet regeneration air stream are dry. Therefore, the dry main inlet regeneration air stream is heated by the heat pump's condenser before passing through the main desiccant rotor.

[0055] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlling a gas sorption system, the method being executed by a control device, the gas sorption system including a primary sorption unit, a primary treatment air circuit configured to direct a primary treatment air stream through a primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit, a primary regeneration air circuit configured to direct a primary regeneration air stream through the primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit, a purge air circuit configured to direct a purge air stream through the primary sorption rotor in the primary sorption unit, the purge air circuit configured to flow through the primary sorption rotor in the same direction as the primary regeneration air stream, and a control device, the gas sorption system further including a pre-treatment unit connected to the primary regeneration air circuit upstream of the primary sorption unit, the pre-treatment unit configured to heat and / or dehumidify the primary regeneration air stream upstream of the primary sorption unit, the method including controlling the primary sorption unit in response to characteristics of the primary treatment air in the primary treatment air stream downstream of the primary sorption unit, and controlling the pre-treatment unit in response to characteristics of the primary reactivation air in the primary reactivation air stream upstream of the primary sorption unit.

[0056] The method steps for controlling the main sorption unit in response to the characteristics of the main process air in the main process air stream downstream of the main sorption unit may include controlling the flow rate of the main process air stream passing through the main sorption rotor, and / or controlling the regeneration energy in the main regeneration air stream and / or purge air stream, and / or controlling the rotational speed of the main sorption rotor.

[0057] The method step of controlling the pre-treatment unit in response to the characteristics of the main reactivation air in the main reactivation air stream upstream of the main sorption unit may include controlling the regeneration energy in the pre-reactivation air stream and the rotational speed of the pre-treatment desiccant rotor.

[0058] Additionally, the cooling energy supplied to the coolers upstream and downstream of the rotor can be controlled to set the amount of moisture condensed from the air stream.

[0059] The present disclosure also relates to a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the above-disclosed method. The present invention further relates to a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the above-disclosed method. The method may be included in pre-programmed software, which may be implemented in a control device of a system suitable for utilizing the method. The pre-programmed software may be stored in the control device. Alternatively, or in combination, the software may be stored in a memory or computer remote from the control device.

[0060] A gas sorption system, method, computer program product, and computer readable medium for a dehumidification system will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0061] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a gas sorption system 1, which may be a dehumidification system 1 according to an example embodiment. The dehumidification system 1 includes a primary sorption unit 2, which may be a primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2. The dehumidification system 1 also includes a pre-treatment unit 4. A control device 100 may be connected to the primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2 and the pre-treatment unit 4. The primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2 includes a primary sorption rotor 6, which may be a primary desiccant rotor 6, configured to rotate about a central axis 8. A motor 10 is configured to rotate the primary desiccant rotor 6 via a transmission 12. A primary treatment air flow 14 passes through multiple channels 16 disposed within the primary desiccant rotor 6. The channels 16 extend from one side of the primary desiccant rotor 6 to the other side. The channels 16 may be parallel to the central axis 8 of the primary desiccant rotor 6. The main process air flow 14 passes through the channels 16 in a first direction. The main desiccant rotor 6 is adapted to treat the main process air flow 14 by reducing water in the main process air flow 14 that may pass through the channels 16 of the main desiccant rotor 6. The main desiccant rotor 6 includes a desiccant material configured to extract moisture from the main process air in the main process air flow 14 so that the main process air can exit the main desiccant rotor 6 as dry air.

[0062] A first V-shaped partition member 18 separates the pie-shaped portion of the main desiccant rotor 6 from the remainder to define a main regeneration section 20 of the main desiccant rotor 6. A second V-shaped partition member 22 separates the pie-shaped portion of the main desiccant rotor 6 from the remainder to define a purge section 24 of the main desiccant rotor 6. The remainder of the main desiccant rotor 6 defines a main treatment section 26.

[0063] A primary process air stream 14 to be dehumidified may flow through channels 16 in the primary desiccant rotor 6. Simultaneously, a heated primary regeneration air stream 28 may pass countercurrently through a primary regeneration section 20 of the primary desiccant rotor 6. The regeneration air stream 28 may exit the primary process air stream 14 downstream of the primary desiccant rotor 6.

[0064] The main regeneration air stream 28 raises the temperature of the main desiccant rotor 6, causing the desiccant material in the main desiccant rotor 6 to dry and release its moisture, which is then carried away by the main regeneration air stream 28. The dried desiccant material in the main desiccant rotor 6 is rotated to the main treatment section 26 where it again absorbs moisture from the main treatment air stream 14.

[0065] As the main regeneration air flow 28 passes through the main desiccant rotor 6, the temperature of the main desiccant rotor 6 increases. To effectively capture moisture and water from the main treatment air flow 14 in the main treatment section 26 of the main desiccant rotor 6, the temperature in the main treatment section 26 must decrease after leaving the main regeneration section 20. Therefore, a purge air flow 30 is directed through the purge section 24. The purge air flow 30 may exit the main treatment air flow 14 downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6. Therefore, the purge air flow 30 reduces the temperature of the main desiccant rotor 6. To obtain a dry main treatment air flow 14, the purge air flow 30 is directed through the main desiccant rotor 6 in the same direction as the main regeneration air flow 28. As a result, moisture still present in the main desiccant rotor 6 is pushed out of the main desiccant rotor 6 by the purge air flow 30. Therefore, the purge air flow 30 acts deep inside the main desiccant rotor 6. The pre-treatment unit 4 is configured to heat and / or dehumidify the main regeneration air stream 28 upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2 .

[0066] 2 is a schematic diagram of an example dehumidification system 1. The dehumidification system 1 includes a primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2 and a primary process air circuit 32 configured to direct the primary process air flow 14 through the primary desiccant rotor 6 within the primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2. A primary regeneration air circuit 34 is configured to direct the primary regeneration air flow 28 through the primary desiccant rotor 6 within the primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2. A purge air circuit 36 ​​is configured to direct a purge air flow 30 through the primary desiccant rotor 6 of the primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2, with the purge air flow 30 flowing through the primary desiccant rotor 6 in the same direction as the primary regeneration air flow 28. The purge air circuit 36 ​​is connected to the primary process air circuit 32 downstream of the primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2. The purge air flow 30 is configured to be collected from the primary process air flow 14 in the primary process air circuit 32. The purge air flow 30 downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6 may be discharged to the surrounding atmosphere. Regeneration air is taken from the surrounding space. Process air is taken from the surrounding space.

[0067] The dehumidification system 1 further includes a pre-treatment unit 4 connected to a main regeneration air circuit 34 upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2. The pre-treatment unit 4 is configured to heat the main regeneration air stream 28 upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2. The pre-treatment unit 4 includes a heat pump 38 having an evaporator 40 and a condenser 42. The main regeneration air circuit 34 is connected to the condenser 42 of the heat pump 38 upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2.

[0068] The dehumidification system 1 further includes an intermediate fluid circuit 44 containing a cooling fluid C configured to cool the main process air in a first cooler 46 before the process air enters the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2. The intermediate fluid circuit 44 includes a fluid pump 48 and a fluid conduit 50 configured to direct the cooling fluid C through the first cooler 46 and the evaporator 40 of the heat pump 38. A fluid control valve 51 may be disposed in the fluid conduit 50. The intermediate fluid circuit 44 may be connected to a control device 100. The control device 100 may be configured to control the flow of the cooling fluid C in the intermediate fluid circuit 44.

[0069] Heat removed from the cooling fluid C in the evaporator 40 can be transferred to the main regeneration air stream 28 via the refrigerant circuit 52 of the heat pump 38 and the condenser 42. That is, heat removed from the main process air stream 14 in the first cooler 46 can be used to heat the main regeneration air via the intermediate fluid circuit 44 and the refrigerant circuit 52 of the heat pump 38. A first heater 76 can be included in the main regeneration air circuit 34 upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2 and is configured to optionally heat the main regeneration air stream 28 as needed.

[0070] As the main regeneration air stream 28 passes through the main desiccant rotor 6, its moisture content increases and its temperature decreases. Although the main regeneration air stream 28 may be vented to the surroundings, at a certain range of rotor 6 rotational speeds, most of the heat and moisture will be extracted by the purge 30 stream, while the regeneration air stream 28 downstream of the rotor will be cooler and drier than the air upstream of the cooler 74. Therefore, it may be advantageous to reclaim at least a portion of this air into the main process air stream 14. The first cooler 46 is incorporated into the intermediate fluid circuit 44 and is positioned upstream of the evaporator 40 of the heat pump 38 in the intermediate fluid circuit 44 to cool the main regeneration air stream 28 downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6, thus extracting heat from the main process air circuit 32 upstream of the rotor 6. As the temperature of the main process air circuit 32 upstream of the rotor 6 decreases during cooling by the first cooler 46, the desiccant in the rotor 6 will attract moisture more efficiently. The main regeneration air stream 28 then passes through the main desiccant rotor 6 along with the main process air stream 14 and moisture is extracted by the main desiccant rotor 6 .

[0071] The main process air flow 14 is generated by a first fan 70 located in the main process air circuit 32 upstream of the main desiccant rotor 6. The main regeneration air is generated by a second fan 72 located in the main regeneration air circuit 34 downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6. An additional fan may be located in the purge air flow 30 downstream of the rotor 6 to provide a desired static pressure. A second cooler 74 may be located in the main process air circuit 32 upstream of the first fan 70. The main process air flow 14 downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6 may pass through a second heater 78 before being conveyed to a drying chamber 80. Exhaust air from the drying chamber 80 is conveyed to the main process air circuit 32 upstream of the main desiccant rotor 6. Additionally, the main regeneration air flow 28 downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6 is conveyed to the main process air circuit 32 upstream of the main desiccant rotor 6. A third cooler 82 is disposed in the main regeneration air circuit 34 upstream of the condenser 42 of the heat pump 38. Instead of connecting the intermediate fluid circuit 44 to the first cooler 46, it is possible to connect the intermediate fluid circuit 44 to the second cooler 74.

[0072] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example dehumidification system 1. The dehumidification system 1 of this example is similar to the dehumidification system 1 of FIG. 2. However, in this example, the purge air circuit 36 ​​downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6 is connected to the main regeneration air circuit 34 upstream of the condenser 42 of the heat pump 38. Therefore, the purge air flow 30 downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6 is conveyed upstream of the main desiccant rotor 6, and the purge air flow downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6 is used as the main regeneration air flow 28. The main regeneration air flow 28 downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6 may be discharged to the ambient atmosphere. Instead of connecting the intermediate fluid circuit 44 to the first cooler 46, the intermediate fluid circuit 44 can be connected to a second cooler 74.

[0073] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example dehumidification system 1. The dehumidification system 1 includes a primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2 and a primary process air circuit 32 configured to direct the primary process air flow 14 through the primary desiccant rotor 6 within the primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2. A primary regeneration air circuit 34 is configured to direct the primary regeneration air flow 28 through the primary desiccant rotor 6 within the primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2. A purge air circuit 36 ​​is configured to direct the purge air flow 30 through the primary desiccant rotor 6 within the primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2, with the purge air flow 30 flowing through the primary desiccant rotor 6 in the same direction as the primary regeneration air flow 28. The purge air circuit 36 ​​is connected to the primary regeneration air circuit 34 downstream of the primary sorption dehumidifier unit 2. The primary regeneration air flow 28 and the purge air flow 30 downstream of the primary desiccant rotor 6 may be released into the ambient atmosphere.

[0074] The dehumidification system 1 further includes a pre-treatment unit 4 connected to the main regeneration air circuit 34 and the purge air circuit 36 ​​upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2. The pre-treatment unit 4 is configured to dehumidify the main regeneration air stream 28 and the purge air stream 30 upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2. The pre-treatment unit 4 includes a pre-sorption unit 54, which may be a pre-sorption dehumidifier unit 54. The pre-treatment air circuit 56 is configured to direct the pre-treated air stream 58 through a pre-sorption rotor 60, which may be a pre-desiccant rotor 60 of the pre-sorption dehumidifier unit 54. The pre-regeneration air circuit 62 is configured to direct the pre-regeneration air stream 64 through the pre-desiccant rotor 60 of the pre-sorption dehumidifier unit 54. The pre-treatment air circuit 56 is connected to the main regeneration air circuit 34 upstream of the main desiccant rotor 60 to direct the pre-treated air stream 58 to the main regeneration air circuit 34. Furthermore, the pre-treatment air circuit 56 is connected to the purge air circuit 36 ​​upstream of the main desiccant rotor 6 to direct a pre-treatment air flow 58 to the purge air circuit 36. Pre-regeneration air is taken in from the ambient space. Pre-treatment air is taken in from the ambient space.

[0075] A pre-purge air circuit 66 is connected to the pre-treatment air circuit 56 upstream of the pre-desiccant rotor 60. Pre-purge air is collected from the pre-treatment air flow 58 in the pre-treatment air circuit 56. In the pre-treatment unit 4, the pre-purge air flow 68 is directed in the opposite direction compared to the pre-regeneration air flow 64 through the pre-desiccant rotor 60.

[0076] A third fan 73 and a fourth cooler 84 are disposed in the pre-treatment air circuit 56 upstream of the pre-desiccant rotor 60. A fifth cooler 86 is disposed in the pre-regeneration air circuit 62 upstream of the pre-desiccant rotor 60. A third heater 88 is disposed in the pre-regeneration air circuit 62 upstream of the pre-desiccant rotor 60. A fourth fan 90 is disposed in the pre-regeneration air circuit 62 downstream of the pre-desiccant rotor 60.

[0077] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example dehumidification system 1. The dehumidification system 1 according to this example is similar to the dehumidification system 1 according to the example of FIG. 4. However, according to this example, the pre-desiccant rotor 60 is configured to direct the pre-treated air flow 58 to the main regeneration air circuit 34 via the purge air circuit 36. The purge air circuit 36 ​​downstream of the main desiccant rotor 6 is connected to the main regeneration air circuit 34 upstream of the main desiccant rotor 6. Furthermore, the purge air circuit 36 ​​upstream of the main desiccant rotor 6 may be connected to the pre-treated air circuit 56 downstream of the pre-desiccant rotor 60. A fifth fan 91 is disposed in the pre-treated air circuit 56 upstream of the pre-desiccant rotor 60.

[0078] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example dehumidification system 1. This example dehumidification system 1 is similar to the example dehumidification system 1 illustrated in FIG. 4. However, in this example, the heat pump 38 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is located within the pre-treatment unit 4 along with the pre-sorption dehumidification unit 54. The main regeneration air circuit 34 is connected to the condenser 42 of the heat pump 38 upstream of the main sorption dehumidification unit 2. The heat pump 38 and the components connected to the heat pump 38 are referenced in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Similarly, the heat pump 38 may be added to the design illustrated in FIG. 5 by incorporating the heat pump as in FIG. 3. That is, the heat pump transfers heat from upstream of the main treatment circuit to downstream of the main purge circuit. Instead of connecting the intermediate fluid circuit 44 to the first cooler 46, the intermediate fluid circuit 44 may be connected to the second cooler 74.

[0079] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an example method performed by a control device 100 for controlling a dehumidification system 1. The method relates to the dehumidification system 1 disclosed in FIGS. 1 through 7. Accordingly, the air dehumidification system 1 includes a main sorption dehumidifier unit 2, a main process air circuit 32 configured to direct a main process air flow 14 through a main desiccant rotor 6 in the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2, a main regeneration air circuit 34 configured to direct a main regeneration air flow 28 through the main desiccant rotor 6 in the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2, a purge air circuit 36 ​​configured to direct a purge air flow 30 through the main desiccant rotor 6 in the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2, the purge air flow 30 configured to flow through the main desiccant rotor 6 in the same direction as the main regeneration air flow 28, and a control device. The dehumidification system 1 further includes a pre-treatment unit 4 connected to the main regeneration air circuit 34 upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2, the pre-treatment unit 4 being configured to heat and / or dehumidify the main regeneration air flow 28 upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2, and the method includes a step (s101) of controlling the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2 in accordance with the characteristics of the main treatment air in the main treatment air flow 14 downstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2, and a step (s102) of controlling the pre-treatment unit 4 in accordance with the characteristics of the main regeneration air in the main regeneration air flow 28 upstream of the main sorption dehumidifier unit 2.

[0080] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of an example device 500 or computer. The control device 100 described with reference to Figures 2 to 6 may comprise the device 500 in some versions. The device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing unit 510, and a read / write memory 550. The non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory element 530 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, for controlling the functions of the device 500 is stored. The device 500 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I / O means, an A / D converter, a time and date input and transfer unit, an event counter, and an interrupt controller (not shown). The non-volatile memory 520 also comprises a second memory element 540.

[0081] A computer program P is provided that includes instructions for carrying out the above-described method. The program P may be stored in the memory 560 and / or the read / write memory 550 in an executable or compressed format. When the data processing unit 510 is described as performing a function, it means that the data processing unit 510 executes a part of a program stored in the memory 560 or a part of a program stored in the read / write memory 550. The data processing device 510 can communicate with a data port 599 via a data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is intended to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is intended to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 511. The read / write memory 550 is adapted to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 514.

[0082] As data is received at data port 599, it is temporarily stored in second memory element 540. When the received input data is temporarily stored, data processing unit 510 is ready to perform code execution as described above. Some of the methods described herein may be performed by device 500 by data processing unit 510 executing a program stored in memory 560 or read / write memory 550. When device 500 executes the program, the methods described herein are performed.

[0083] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the described variations. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain the principles and practical applications, so that those skilled in the art can understand the invention in terms of its various embodiments and various modifications applicable to its intended use. The above-identified components and features may be combined between different identified embodiments within the framework of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. a primary sorption unit (2); a main process air circuit (32) configured to direct a main process air flow (14) through a main sorption rotor (6) in the main sorption unit (2); a main regeneration air circuit (34) configured to direct a main regeneration air flow (28) through the main sorption rotor (6) in the main sorption unit (2); a purge air circuit (36) configured to direct a purge air flow (30) through the main sorption rotor (6) in the main sorption unit (2), the purge air flow (30) being configured to flow through the main sorption rotor (6) in the same direction as the main regeneration air flow (28); a pre-treatment unit (4) connected to the main regeneration air circuit (34) upstream of the main sorption unit (2), the pre-treatment unit (4) being configured to heat and / or dehumidify the main regeneration air stream (28) upstream of the main sorption unit (2); A gas sorption system (1) comprising: the pre-treatment unit (4) comprises a pre-sorption unit (54), a pre-treatment air circuit (56) configured to direct a pre-treatment air stream (58) through a pre-sorption rotor (60) in the pre-sorption unit (54), and a pre-regeneration air circuit (62) configured to direct a regeneration air stream through the pre-sorption rotor (60) in the pre-sorption unit (54); the pre-treatment air circuit (56) is connected to the main regeneration air circuit (34) upstream of the main sorption rotor (6) for directing the pre-treatment air stream (58) into the main regeneration air circuit (34); A gas sorption system (1), wherein the pre-treatment air circuit (56) is connected to the purge air circuit (36) upstream of the main sorption rotor (6) to direct the pre-treatment air stream (58) to the purge air circuit (36).

2. The pre-treatment unit (4) comprises a heat pump (38) having an evaporator (40) and a condenser (42); 2. The system (1) of claim 1, wherein the main regeneration air circuit (34) is connected to the condenser (42) of the heat pump (38) upstream of the main sorption unit (2).

3. The system further comprises an intermediate fluid circuit (44) containing a cooling fluid (C) configured to cool the main process air in a first cooler (46) before the process air enters the main sorption unit (2); 3. The system (1) of claim 2, wherein the intermediate fluid circuit (44) comprises a fluid pump (48) and a fluid conduit (50) configured to direct a cooling fluid (C) through the first cooler (46) and the evaporator (40) of the heat pump (38).

4. 3. The system (1) of claim 2, wherein the condenser (42) of the heat pump (38) is connected to the pre-treatment air circuit (56) downstream of the pre-sorption rotor (60) and to the main regeneration air circuit (34) upstream of the main sorption rotor (6).

5. The system (1) further comprises an intermediate fluid circuit (44) containing a cooling fluid (C) configured to cool the process air in a first cooler (46) before the process air enters the main sorption unit (2), 5. The system (1) of claim 4, wherein the intermediate fluid circuit (44) comprises a fluid pump (48) and a fluid conduit (50) configured to direct a cooling fluid (C) through the first cooler (46) and the evaporator (40) of the heat pump (38).

6. A method for controlling a gas sorption system (1) according to claim 1, carried out by a control device (100), comprising: controlling (s101) the main sorption unit (2) in response to the characteristics of the main process air in the main process air stream (14) downstream of the main sorption unit (2); controlling (s102) the pre-treatment unit (4) in response to the characteristics of the main regeneration air in the main regeneration air stream (28) upstream of the main sorption unit (2); A method comprising:

7. A computer program (P) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer (100; 500), cause said computer (100; 500) to carry out the method according to claim 6.

8. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer (100; 500), cause the computer (100; 500) to perform the method of claim 6.

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