Vehicle Cabin Air Sorption Control for CO2 and Humidity Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrically driven motor vehicles, air conditioning systems lead to the accumulation of water and carbon dioxide in the passenger compartment, causing discomfort and potential health issues, while existing solutions for reducing these contaminants consume energy and are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A device with two sorption units that alternately switch between sorption and desorption modes to remove carbon dioxide and water from the air, using a control system to manage air distribution and minimize energy consumption by recirculating air without external intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air conditioning is used in electrically driven motor vehicles, then passenger comfort is improved, but water and carbon dioxide accumulate in the passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The air treatment system is segmented into multiple sorption units (first sorption unit and second sorption unit) that operate alternately. Each unit contains sorbent material specifically designed to capture water and carbon dioxide. This segmentation allows continuous operation where one unit sorbs contaminants while another undergoes desorption, effectively removing accumulated substances without compromising passenger comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of sorption units by switching between sorption mode and desorption mode. During desorption, heated air is passed through the sorbent material to reverse the sorption process, releasing captured water and carbon dioxide. This parameter change enables the sorbent to be regenerated and reused, maintaining continuous air quality improvement
2Quantity of substance
If existing air conditioning devices are used to reduce carbon dioxide and water content, then air quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by alternately operating multiple sorption units in sorption and desorption cycles. While one unit is actively sorbing contaminants, another unit undergoes desorption with heated air. This periodic switching ensures continuous contaminant removal without requiring constant high-energy operation of a single unit, thereby reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy by utilizing the heated air from the desorption process. The air that has released contaminants during desorption, now containing concentrated water and carbon dioxide, can be directed to the sorption unit or exhausted. This recovery approach minimizes energy waste by reusing thermal energy rather than discarding it, reducing the overall energy input required for the air treatment system
3Use of energy by moving object
If air recirculation is used to maintain air quality, then energy efficiency is improved, but contaminants accumulate in the recirculated air
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-treating recirculated air through sorption units before it re-enters the passenger compartment. The sorbent material in the sorption units preemptively captures water and carbon dioxide from the recirculated air, preventing contaminant accumulation. This preliminary purification allows sustained energy-efficient recirculation without the drawbacks of contaminant buildup
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 effectively maintains air quality in the vehicle compartment with reduced energy use, extending the vehicle's range and reducing the load on air conditioning components, thus enhancing comfort and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first sorption unit and the second sorption unit may include a receptacle for receiving a sorbent configured to sorb one or more air constituents, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or water
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first sorption unit and the second sorption unit may be configured to, in the desorption mode, desorb the one or more air constituents
Data Source
AI summary
Device for conditioning air in an enclosed space, including first and second sorption units, each for being transferred from a sorption mode into a desorption mode and vice-versa; and to, in the sorption mode, sorb the one or more air constituents from air of the enclosed space; and to, in the desorption mode, desorb the one or more air constituents, and including an air distribution device to, in a first operating state, switch to a second operating state in which exchange of the air of the enclosed space with exterior air may be provided, if it is determined that a concentration of at least one air constituent of the one or more air constituents is above a limit, and, in the second operating state, switch to the first operating state, if it is determined that concentrations of all air constituents of the one or more air constituents are within their corresponding limit.