Coasting Reversing Blower for VSA Energy Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Single bed reversing blower (SBRB) VSA systems face inefficiencies due to lack of bed-to-bed equalization and energy loss from motor reversing, leading to higher power consumption and reduced oxygen recovery.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a coasting mechanism during blower cycling, where kinetic energy is transferred via a reversing motor connected to a rotary lobe blower, allowing the blower to coast and utilize pressure differences for energy storage and regeneration, reducing electrical energy usage and enhancing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If motor reversing is used to switch blower direction, then the blower can alternate between feed and regeneration modes, but significant energy is lost as heat during the reversing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblower direction switching capabilityVSAvoidenergy loss during motor reversing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of pressure differential (which causes the blower to coast and reverse) into a beneficial force that drives the blower reversal without energy input. The pressure difference between the adsorption vessel and atmosphere is harnessed to rotate the blower in the reverse direction, transforming what would be a lossy motor reversal into an energy-efficient passive reversal process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Speed

If resistive electric breaking is used to stop the blower quickly, then the blower can reverse direction rapidly, but significant heat is generated which represents lost energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblower reversal speedVSAvoidenergy lost as heat during braking

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for resistive electric braking by using the pressure differential to naturally decelerate and reverse the blower. The pressure force acts as a natural brake that converts kinetic energy into pressure work, avoiding the energy waste of resistive braking while achieving rapid reversal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If a single bed VSA system uses a reversing blower, then the system is simpler and has lower capital cost, but power consumption increases due to inefficient motor reversal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidpower consumption of reversing blower

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains the simplicity of the single-bed reversing blower system while eliminating its main energy consumption issue. By using the pressure differential to drive blower reversal instead of motor reversal, the system retains its structural simplicity and low capital cost while dramatically reducing operational power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 achieves approximately 20% energy savings and extends the service life of components by minimizing wear, while allowing for regenerative power harvesting and storage.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure difference across the blower causes the blower to quickly stop and reverse direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

utilize coasting during portions of the cycling of the reversing blower VSA process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoasting: Inertia

Implementation Method 3

kinetic energy transferred via a reversing motor connected to a rotary lobe blower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

air flow produced by the blower is taken from an adsorption vessel filled with molecular sieve material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10603620B2Reversing blower adsorption utilizing coasting

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 PACIFIC CONSOLIDATED IND LLC

AI summary

A driving system for a reversing blower adsorption based air separation unit is configured to not only drive the reversing blower cyclically in a forward and in a reverse direction, but also to allow the reversing blower to coast during a portion of its operating cycle. While coasting, a pressure differential across the blower acts alone to switch the reversing blower between a forward and a reverse direction of operation. Less power is thus required. When coasting, the blower can also be configured to output power such as the drive motor functioning as an electric generator or by having a mechanical power input be driven by the blower for power generation and/or energy storage. Such a system beneficially utilizes the energy associated with the pressure differential across the blower for energy harvesting and to further accelerate cycle times for the reversing blower adsorption based air separation unit.