Coal-Based Electrothermal Swing Adsorption for Dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC dehumidification and air purification systems face inefficiencies and high maintenance costs due to limitations in moisture and contaminant removal, particularly in liquid desiccant air conditioning systems.
Innovation Solution
An electrothermal swing adsorption system utilizing coal-based activated carbon fibers in alternating chambers for continuous adsorption and desorption, facilitated by Joule heating, to efficiently dehumidify and purify air by alternating the adsorption and desorption processes in a cyclical manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If liquid desiccant air conditioning systems are used for dehumidification, then moisture removal capability is improved, but maintenance costs and system reliability deteriorate due to repeated maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous solid desiccant materials (such as silica gel, molecular sieves, or activated alumina) in the form of beds or wheels that physically adsorb moisture from air. This solid-phase adsorption approach replaces liquid desiccant systems, eliminating the maintenance issues associated with liquid handling while maintaining high moisture removal capability through the large surface area and porous structure of the solid materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic regeneration cycles where the desiccant material is alternately exposed to humid air for moisture adsorption and then heated or purged to desorb and remove accumulated moisture. This cyclic operation allows continuous dehumidification while regenerating the desiccant capacity, improving system reliability by preventing saturation and maintaining consistent performance without frequent maintenance interventions.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional dehumidification systems are used, then moisture removal is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to inefficiencies in the dehumidification process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in temperature and humidity parameters to optimize the dehumidification process. By controlling the temperature of the desiccant regeneration process and the airflow conditions during adsorption, the system achieves high moisture removal efficiency while minimizing energy consumption. The cyclic variation of temperature parameters allows efficient moisture capture at lower temperatures and effective regeneration at elevated temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits phase transitions of water (from vapor in air to liquid condensate during adsorption, and from liquid to vapor during regeneration) to enable efficient moisture removal. The desiccant material facilitates water vapor condensation on its surface during the adsorption phase, and the stored moisture is then evaporated during regeneration, leveraging these phase changes to improve overall energy efficiency compared to traditional mechanical cooling-based dehumidification.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air purification systems are integrated with dehumidification, then air contaminant removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the dehumidification system to simultaneously perform air purification functions by selecting desiccant materials with dual capabilities: high moisture adsorption capacity and effective trapping of air contaminants such as VOCs, particulates, or odors. The same porous solid desiccant bed that removes moisture also captures contaminant molecules through adsorption, enabling one system to fulfill multiple air treatment functions without requiring separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the dehumidification and air purification processes into a single integrated system using combined desiccant-material beds or wheels. Rather than operating separate dehumidification and filtration systems in parallel, the design consolidates both functions into unified components where moisture and contaminants are removed simultaneously during the adsorption phase, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective performance of both functions.
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 system achieves high moisture removal efficiencies and effective air contaminant reduction, reducing the need for fresh air exchange and lowering operational costs compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The electrothermal swing adsorption apparatus receives a feed of air, adsorbs at least one of moisture and air contaminants from the feed of air
Implementation Method 2
An electrothermal swing adsorption system utilizing coal-based activated carbon fibers in alternating chambers for continuous adsorption and desorption, facilitated by Joule heating
Implementation Method 3
the at least one carbon monolith of the second chamber desorbs at least one of moisture and air contaminants simultaneously as the at least one carbon monolith of the first chamber adsorbs at least one of moisture and air contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
An electrothermal swing adsorption system includes an electrothermal swing adsorption apparatus. The electrothermal swing adsorption apparatus includes a first chamber comprising at least one carbon monolith and a second chamber comprising at least one carbon monolith. The electrothermal swing adsorption apparatus receives a feed of air, desorbs at least one of moisture and air contaminants from the feed of air, discharges a dehumidified flow stream, and discharges a removal output flow stream of at least one of moisture and air contaminants.