Breathing Circuit Heat Pump Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing circuit devices face challenges in effectively cooling and dehumidifying the breathing gas after CO2 absorption, with current methods such as ice, regenerative coolers, and zeolite coolers being cumbersome, inefficient, or costly in handling and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A breathing circuit device equipped with a heat pump system that includes a compressor, condenser, and heat exchanger body, allowing for efficient cooling and dehumidification by condensing and evaporating a coolant to regulate breathing gas temperature and humidity, with optional fan-assisted convective flow and flexible heat exchanger contact with the breathing circuit line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice is used for cooling, then cooling effect is achieved, but handling complexity increases and device must be opened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable cooling elements that are pre-filled with phase change material and sealed in deformable packaging. These single-use elements eliminate the need for complex regeneration procedures and repeated device opening, while providing sufficient cooling capacity for the duration of use. The deformable packaging allows easy insertion and ensures good thermal contact with the breathing circuit line.
2Ease of operation
If regenerative cooler with PCM is used, then handling is simplified, but cooling capacity decreases and lower temperatures cannot be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase change material with a melting point specifically selected to be above room temperature, enabling the material to absorb latent heat during phase transition from solid to liquid. This parameter selection allows the cooling element to maintain a constant low temperature (below ambient) throughout the phase change process, achieving effective cooling without requiring active regeneration or complex control systems.
3Temperature
If zeolite cooler is used, then cooling and dehumidification are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and regeneration is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable cooling elements that are pre-filled with phase change material and sealed in deformable packaging. These single-use elements eliminate the need for complex regeneration procedures and repeated device opening, while providing sufficient cooling capacity for the duration of use. The deformable packaging allows easy insertion and ensures good thermal contact with the breathing circuit line.
4Ease of operation
If disposable coolers are used, then regeneration complexity is avoided, but cost of use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase change material with a melting point specifically selected to be above room temperature, enabling the material to absorb latent heat during phase transition from solid to liquid. This parameter selection allows the cooling element to maintain a constant low temperature (below ambient) throughout the phase change process, achieving effective cooling without requiring active regeneration or complex control systems.
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 heat pump system provides improved cooling and dehumidification, maintaining a comfortable breathing climate by adjusting the compressor's operation based on temperature sensors, offering higher cooling capacity and reduced handling complexity compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (33) for condensing a coolant
Implementation Method 2
compressor for condensing a coolant
Implementation Method 3
condenser, which receives the condensed coolant, cools the coolant and releases heat to the surrounding area
Implementation Method 4
releases heat to the surrounding area in the process
Implementation Method 5
heat exchanger body, which receives the cooled coolant and is in heat-conducting contact with a section of the breathing circuit line
Implementation Method 6
cooling means has a heat pump with a compressor for condensing a coolant
Implementation Method 7
heat pump with a compressor for condensing a coolant and with a condenser, which receives the condensed coolant, cools the coolant and releases heat to the surrounding area
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a respiratory circuit appliance with a respiratory line, a CO2 absorber (6) in the respiratory line, and a cooling device for cooling the respiratory gas after it exits the CO2 absorber. Provision is made that the cooling device cools a heating pump with a compressor (33) for compressing/condensing a cooling medium, a condenser (30), which receives the condensed cooling medium, and in so doing releases heat to the surroundings, and with a heat exchanger body (8) which receives the cooled cooling medium and is in heat-conducting contact with a section of the respiratory line.