Integrated Cyclone Separator and Particulate Filter for Exhaust Water Recovery
Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines emit exhaust containing particulates and water vapor, which are not effectively separated by existing technologies, leading to contaminated water and inefficient gas recirculation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cyclone water separator and a particulate filter, where the particulate filter is integrated within the gas passageway of the water separator, utilizing a monolith substrate with specific pore sizes and optional membrane and catalytic layers to filter out particulates from the exhaust before separating water, allowing for clean water reuse and recirculation of water-depleted gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing separation technologies are used for exhaust treatment, then the system is simple, but particulates and water vapor are not effectively separated leading to contaminated water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the particulate filter and water separator into a single integrated device where the filter element is positioned within the separator body. This merging allows both filtration and separation functions to be performed in one unit, improving separation effectiveness while managing system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is nested within the separator body, with the filter positioned inside the cylindrical chamber where exhaust gases flow through both the filter media and separation zones. This nesting arrangement allows compact integration of multiple functions within a single device structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a integrated filter and separator system is implemented, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: particulate filtration through the filter element, water vapor condensation in the separation chamber, and liquid-water separation via the outlet. This multi-functionality achieves high water cleanliness while managing complexity through a unified design that handles multiple exhaust treatment tasks in one device.
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 effectively removes particulates from engine exhaust, producing water with minimal contaminants and enabling its reuse, while also improving gas recirculation efficiency by reducing particulate load in the exhaust gas recirculation circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone water separator having a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a gas passageway from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, and a water outlet in communication with the gas passageway
Implementation Method 2
cyclone water separator
Implementation Method 3
a wall-flow filter is in communication with the cyclone water separator. The wall-flow filter has pores between 0.5 μm and 50 μm
Implementation Method 4
The wall-flow filter has pores between 0.5 μm and 50 μm
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes a water separator and a particulate filter. The vehicle includes an engine that emits exhaust, and the water separator and the particulate filter are disposed downstream of the engine and receives at least a portion of the exhaust. The water separator separates water from the exhaust, and the particulate filter filters particulates of the exhaust such that the water may be subsequently used, e.g., for potable uses, operation of the engine, etc.