Adsorption Tower Heat Reserving Elements Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The PSA method using perovskite-type oxide requires high temperatures for adsorption and regeneration, leading to high thermal energy costs for maintaining the adsorbent temperature, necessitating a cost-effective solution for gas separation.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation device with an adsorption tower using perovskite-type oxide adsorbent, incorporating heat reserving elements upstream and downstream of the adsorbent, and a control unit to manage gas flow and heat transfer, allowing for efficient separation of gases at normal temperatures, thereby reducing thermal energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature is used for adsorption and regeneration in PSA method, then gas separation performance is improved, but thermal energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adsorption tower with heat reserving elements (heat storage materials) integrated into the tower structure. The heat storage materials are positioned to thermally interact with the adsorbent, allowing heat to be stored during high-temperature operation and released when needed, thereby reducing external thermal energy requirements while maintaining separation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat reserving elements within the adsorption tower enable the system to self-regulate its thermal requirements. The stored heat in the heat storage materials is utilized to maintain adsorbent temperature during regeneration and adsorption cycles, allowing the system to serve its own thermal needs and reduce dependence on external heating sources.
2Productivity
If high temperature is maintained for adsorbent operation, then adsorption efficiency is improved, but running cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates heat reserving elements directly into the adsorption tower structure, combining the thermal storage function with the gas separation function. This integration allows the tower to maintain adsorbent temperature using stored heat, thereby sustaining high adsorption efficiency while reducing the operational costs associated with continuous external heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter management by introducing heat storage materials that can absorb and release thermal energy. This allows the system to operate with fluctuating temperature profiles rather than constant high temperature, maintaining adsorption efficiency while reducing the average thermal energy input and associated running costs.
3Loss of energy
If heat reserving elements are added to reduce thermal energy loss, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat reserving elements with the adsorption tower structure, integrating thermal storage functionality into the existing gas separation device. This integration approach minimizes the increase in device complexity by combining multiple functions (gas separation and thermal storage) into a single unified structure rather than adding separate, independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat reserving elements serve multiple functions: they store thermal energy during high-temperature operation, release heat during regeneration and adsorption cycles, and structurally integrate with the adsorption tower. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving improved energy efficiency.
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 device achieves a simple and cost-effective gas separation process by minimizing heat loss and inflow to the adsorbent, reducing energy costs and maintaining efficient gas separation performance.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorbent disposed in the adsorption tower such that when the adsorbent contacts the mixed gas in a prescribed pressure and temperature environment, the adsorbent adsorbs a substance contained in the mixed gas to separate the substance from the mixed gas
Implementation Method 2
heat reserving elements disposed upstream and downstream of the adsorbent in a mixed gas feeding direction such that the mixed gas supplied into the adsorption tower from the mixed gas feed unit, the separated gas discharged from the interior of the adsorption tower by the separated gas discharge unit, and the adsorbed gas discharged from the interior of the adsorption tower by the adsorbed gas discharge unit pass through the heat reserving elements, the heat reserving elements being configured to reduce an outflow of heat to outside from the adsorbent and an inflow of heat to the adsorbent from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
The gas separation device includes an adsorption tower having at least one part thereof exposed to an atmosphere at a higher or lower temperature than normal temperature, a mixed gas feed unit, an adsorbent provided inside the adsorption tower to adsorb a matter contained in a mixed gas upon contact with the mixed gas in a prescribed pressure and temperature environment, and separate the matter from the mixed gas, a separated gas discharge unit that discharges a separated gas from the adsorption tower, and an adsorbed gas discharge unit that discharges from the adsorption tower the adsorbed gas which is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Heat reserving elements are arranged in the adsorption tower at positions upstream and downstream of the adsorbent in the mixed gas supply direction respectively such that the mixed gas, separated gas, and adsorbed gas flow through the heat reserving elements.