Compact Resorption Heat Exchangers for Lower Cost and Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resorption systems face higher equipment costs and larger construction volumes compared to classic absorption systems, limiting their commercial availability and efficiency, especially in low-power applications, due to the duplication of expensive absorber and desorber devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a resorption circuit with compact and cost-effective heat transfer devices such as plate heat exchangers, spiral heat exchangers, and membrane contactors, along with the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants like ammonia and water, reduces system pressure and eliminates the need for expensive conventional absorbers and desorbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional absorbers and desorbers are used in resorption systems, then the system can achieve resorption functionality, but the investment costs and construction volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the absorber and desorber functions into a single integrated heat exchanger unit. The heat exchanger performs both absorption and desorption operations by alternating its function based on thermal input, eliminating the need for separate absorber and desorber vessels. This merging reduces equipment count, investment costs, and construction volume while maintaining resorption functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an absorber and a desorber depending on the thermal conditions. By utilizing the same component for dual purposes, the system reduces equipment complexity and cost while achieving the required resorption performance through functional versatility.
2Reliability
If conventional absorbers and desorbers are used in resorption systems, then the system can achieve resorption functionality, but the construction volume increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the absorber and desorber functions into a single integrated heat exchanger unit. The heat exchanger performs both absorption and desorption operations by alternating its function based on thermal input, eliminating the need for separate absorber and desorber vessels. This merging reduces equipment count, investment costs, and construction volume while maintaining resorption functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from volumetric absorption/desorption vessels to a surface-based heat exchanger design. By utilizing the large surface area of plate or spiral heat exchangers, the system achieves effective mass and heat transfer in a compact footprint, dramatically reducing construction volume while maintaining functionality.
3Weight of stationary object
If resorption systems are designed with compact heat transfer devices, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses commercially available plate heat exchangers or spiral heat exchangers as off-the-shelf components. By copying proven, mass-produced heat transfer designs rather than developing custom absorption/desorption vessels, the system reduces weight while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of standardized, readily available parts.
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 significantly reduces system pressure, investment costs, and weight, making resorption systems more viable for heating and cooling applications, particularly in low-power ranges, while enabling efficient use with waste heat or solar energy.
Implementation Method 1
two or more fluids are guided relative to one another in a narrow, limited space in such a way that a compact design with simultaneous mutual heat exchange is possible
Implementation Method 2
membrane contactors with internally or externally arranged heat exchangers
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for heating or cooling, having a resorption circuit that has at least one absorber and at least one desorber, wherein the at least one absorber or the at least one desorber is configured at least as one compact heat exchange device, or at least as one membrane contactor, wherein the heat exchange device is selected from a group consisting of plate heat exchangers and spiral heat exchangers. The invention further relates to a respective method for heating or cooling.