Bubble Column HDH Desalination System with Non-Condensable Gas Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination systems face inefficiencies due to high energy consumption and low heat and mass transfer rates, primarily due to the presence of non-condensable gases, which increase thermal resistance and reduce the effectiveness of surface condensers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a combined HDH system with a bubble column humidification and dehumidification region within a single vessel, utilizing gas bubbles for enhanced heat and mass transfer, and incorporating features like vapor distribution regions and liquid flow control weirs to optimize thermodynamic efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a carrier gas is used in HDH systems, then the humidification and dehumidification processes can be carried out, but the heat and mass transfer rates become low due to the presence of non-condensable gas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes non-condensable gases from the system through a non-condensable gas removal device. The carrier gas stream is separated into a condensable vapor component and a non-condensable gas component, with the latter being removed to improve heat and mass transfer rates in the humidification and dehumidification processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards non-condensable gases that accumulate in the system and recover the carrier gas by condensing the vapor component. The removed non-condensable gases prevent thermal resistance buildup, while the recovered carrier gas is reused in the humidification region, improving overall system efficiency
2Reliability
If non-condensable gas is present in the dehumidifier, then the carrier gas can transport vapor, but thermal resistance increases and surface condenser effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of non-condensable gas accumulation into a beneficial separation process. By introducing a non-condensable gas removal device, the system actively removes the thermal resistance problem while the separated vapor stream is efficiently condensed, improving surface condenser effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary non-condensable gas removal device between the humidification and dehumidification regions. This intermediary component separates the carrier gas stream into condensable and non-condensable components, allowing efficient condensation of vapor while removing the thermal resistance barrier
3Productivity
If traditional HDH systems are used, then desalination can be achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers carrier gas that would otherwise be wasted by condensing the vapor component in the carrier gas stream. The condensed water is collected as product while the carrier gas is removed and reused in the humidification region, reducing the energy required to heat and humidify fresh carrier gas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous circulation of the carrier gas through the system. The carrier gas is reused in the humidification region after non-condensable gas removal, maintaining continuous heat and mass transfer processes without interruption and reducing overall energy consumption
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 configuration reduces energy consumption, increases heat and mass transfer rates, and simplifies system design and installation, leading to higher thermodynamic efficiency and cost-effectiveness in water purification processes.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a saline solution with a carrier gas in a humidifier, such that the carrier gas becomes heated and humidified
Implementation Method 2
the carrier gas becomes heated and humidified
Implementation Method 3
The heated and humidified gas is then brought into contact with cold water in a dehumidifier, thereby producing pure water
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein generally relate to humidification-dehumidification desalination systems, including apparatuses that include a vessel comprising a humidification region (e.g., a bubble column humidification region) and a dehumidification region (e.g., a bubble column dehumidification region), mobile humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination systems (e.g., systems having a relatively low height and/or a relatively small footprint), and associated systems and methods. Certain embodiments generally relate to methods of operating, controlling, and/or cleaning desalination systems comprising a plurality of desalination units (e.g., HDH desalination units).