Adsorption module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adsorption modules in refrigeration technology face inefficiencies in heat transfer and high manufacturing costs, limiting their energy efficiency and multifunctional use in sorption systems.
Innovation Solution
A plate-shaped adsorption module design featuring a monolithically cast or sintered metallic sorption unit with a zeolite coating, integrated vapor channels, and modular construction for improved heat transfer and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional adsorption modules are used with separate components and multiple connection steps, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing and sorption unit into a single monolithic component formed by casting or sintering. This integration eliminates multiple connection steps (gluing, welding, soldering, screwing) between separate parts, reducing device complexity while ensuring long-term stable heat transfer through the unified structure without additional connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic housing-sorption unit structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural housing, contains the sorption material, enables heat transfer, and forms vapor channels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic sorption unit is used, then manufacturing steps are reduced and costs decrease, but heat transfer efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The sorption unit is formed as a porous body through casting or sintering processes. The porous structure provides large surface area for heat exchange while maintaining the monolithic integration. The pores allow heat transfer medium to penetrate and contact the sorption material effectively, maintaining heat transfer efficiency despite the simplified manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic structure incorporates locally optimized features including vapor channels and heat exchange surfaces positioned at specific locations within the sorption unit. The casting or sintering process allows complex internal geometries with optimized heat transfer pathways to be integrated directly into the monolithic structure, maintaining thermal efficiency while simplifying manufacturing.
3Reliability
If zeolite coating is applied to the metallic sorption unit, then sorption performance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The zeolite coating is applied directly to the metallic sorption unit in-situ, where the metallic substrate serves as the foundation for zeolite crystallization. The metallic structure provides both mechanical support and the nucleation sites for zeolite formation, eliminating the need for separate coating substrates or complex multi-step coating processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-situ crystallization process transforms the metallic substrate surface properties to enable zeolite formation. By controlling crystallization parameters (temperature, chemical environment, time), the zeolite layer forms directly on the metallic structure, enhancing sorption performance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single integrated process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances energy efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs by optimizing heat transfer and allowing for scalable, long-term stable sorption systems with improved heat exchange properties.
Implementation Method 1
The sorption unit (3D) is coated with zeolite or, not according to the invention, with other adsorbents.
Implementation Method 2
the units mentioned being located in separate or in a common, vacuum-tight housing... with respective connections for supplying and removing a fluid heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 3
a large number of openings oriented in the flow passage direction of the heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 4
at least one evaporator/condenser unit
Implementation Method 5
at least one evaporator/condenser unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an adsorption module, consisting of at least one sorption unit and at least one evaporator/condenser unit, each with inlet and outlet ports for a fluid heat transfer medium, said units being in the same or separate vacuum-tight housings. According to the invention the housing is flat and can be joined to multiple flat housings in a stacked arrangement with a common steam duct.