Air dryer system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air dryer systems consume excessive energy during the regeneration process of adsorbents, particularly in purge-type systems, as they rely solely on compressed air, leading to increased energy consumption and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a purge and non-purge adsorption type air dryer system that utilizes both compressed air and external air for regeneration, incorporating a blower to introduce outside air for heating and cooling the adsorbent, along with a system of pneumatic valves to manage air flow paths, allowing for efficient regeneration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If purge type regeneration using compressed air is used, then adsorbent regeneration is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regeneration process is segmented into multiple stages: initial purge with compressed air, followed by heating phase with external air, then cooling phase with external air, and final purge with dehumidified air. This segmentation allows each stage to use the most appropriate air source for its specific purpose, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the external air through heating and cooling phases. External air is heated to a high temperature for the heating phase to effectively desorb moisture from the adsorbent, then cooled for the cooling phase to prepare the adsorbent for the next dehumidification cycle. This parameter change optimizes the regeneration efficiency while using low-cost external air instead of compressed air for these phases.
2Use of energy by moving object
If non-purge type regeneration using external air is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but regeneration effectiveness may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges purge type and non-purge type regeneration methods into a hybrid approach. It combines the use of compressed air (purge type) for initial and final stages with external air (non-purge type) for heating and cooling phases. This combination leverages the effectiveness of compressed air purification with the energy efficiency of external air, achieving both regeneration effectiveness and energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The regeneration process uses periodic action by alternating between different air sources and temperature conditions in sequential phases. The system periodically switches between compressed air purge, heated external air, cooled external air, and dehumidified air purge, creating a rhythmic cycle that maintains regeneration effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption during each phase.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dual-mode regeneration system is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control through automated sequential operation of multiple valves and the blower. The control system dynamically switches between different operational modes (purge, heating, cooling, final purge) based on the regeneration cycle progress, optimizing energy efficiency automatically while managing the complexity through structured sequential control rather than static fixed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower serves as an intermediary component that facilitates the dual-mode regeneration system by providing controlled airflow for both purge phases and thermal phases. The multiple pneumatic valves act as intermediaries to direct airflow between different paths, managing the complexity of coordinating compressed air and external air systems through centralized flow control mechanisms.
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
This approach reduces energy consumption by leveraging outside air for regeneration, enabling a more efficient adsorbent regeneration system while minimizing manufacturing costs through partial modifications to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
As the compressed air discharged from a compressor or the like passes through a porous adsorbent inside the adsorption tower, a dehumidification process in which moisture in the compressed air is attached to pores of the adsorbent and removed is performed.
Implementation Method 2
a heater disposed at a rear end of the blower and heating the outside air transferred from the blower
Implementation Method 3
a blower introducing outside air into the first adsorption tower or the second adsorption tower
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment purge and non-purge adsorption type air dryer system includes a first adsorption tower and a second adsorption tower each including an adsorbent therein and configured to dehumidify compressed air flowing into an inside by using the adsorbent or regenerate the adsorbent by using outside air or the dehumidified compressed air, a plurality of pneumatic valves installed in a plurality of air passages connected to the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower, the plurality of pneumatic valves being configured to be opened and closed to change a flow path of each of the compressed air and the outside air, a blower configured to introduce the outside air into the first adsorption tower or the second adsorption tower, and a heater disposed at a rear end of the blower and configured to heat the outside air transferred from the blower.