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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of separation membranes used in air control systems is degraded when they come into contact with air containing water vapor, leading to a decrease in gas separation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dehumidifying unit with a first separation membrane to remove water vapor from the target air, followed by a composition adjuster with a second separation membrane to separate the air into different compositions, and utilizing throttle mechanisms to maintain pressure and reduce humidity, thereby minimizing membrane degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If atmospheric air is supplied directly to the separation membrane, then the gas separation process can proceed, but the separation membrane performance degrades due to water vapor in the air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary dehumidification action by placing a dehumidifying unit with a first separation membrane upstream of the composition adjuster. This unit removes water vapor from atmospheric air before it reaches the second separation membrane, preventing performance degradation while maintaining continuous operation of the gas separation system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dehumidifying unit as an intermediary component between the air source and the composition adjuster. This intermediary unit acts as a protective barrier that filters out water vapor, allowing the main separation membrane to operate in a controlled, low-humidity environment without direct exposure to moist atmospheric air
2Reliability
If a dehumidifying unit is added to protect the separation membrane, then membrane performance degradation is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dehumidification function and gas separation function into a single integrated system. The dehumidifying unit and composition adjuster are connected in series to form a unified air treatment system, where the first separation membrane and second separation membrane work together in a coordinated manner to achieve both dehumidification and gas composition adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the dehumidifying unit to serve multiple purposes: it not only protects the second separation membrane from water vapor damage but also prepares the air stream for subsequent gas separation operations. The first separation membrane performs dual functions of water vapor removal and preliminary gas separation
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 effectively reduces the degradation of separation membrane performance by maintaining low humidity levels, ensuring consistent air composition adjustment and quality in the storage environment.
Implementation Method 1
a first separation membrane (134) for allowing water vapor to permeate therethrough and configured to dehumidify target air
Implementation Method 2
a second separation membrane (124) for separating the target air dehumidified by the dehumidifying unit (130) into first air and second air having different compositions
Implementation Method 3
The first throttle mechanism (171) exhibits throttling expansion action. Thus, the pressure of the target air is maintained in the dehumidifying unit (130) located upstream of the first throttle mechanism (171)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An air control system (100) includes a dehumidifying unit (130) and a composition adjuster (120). The dehumidifying unit (130) has a first separation membrane through which water vapor permeates, and dehumidifies target air. The composition adjuster (120) has a second separation membrane, and separates the target air dehumidified by the dehumidifying unit (130) into first air and second air having different compositions. The air control system (100) supplies the first air or second air having flowed out of the composition adjuster (120) to a storage (2).